How to pronounce merc
Say it like MURK. Merc is a single syllable, so the whole word carries the stress.
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce merc. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- MURK
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Merc pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- MURKSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ur" in nurse.
American vs British pronunciation of merc
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: MURK.
What does merc mean?
- A mercenary.
- To kill.
Where does merc come from?
Clipping of mercenary.
Words that rhyme with merc
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of merc.
Questions about saying merc
How do you pronounce merc?
Say MURK. The American pronunciation is /mɝk/. In British English it is /mɜːk/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in merc?
Merc is a single syllable, so the whole word carries the stress. Broken into parts: MURK.
Is merc pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /mɜːk/ (MURK).