How to pronounce merkin
Say it like MUR-kin. Merkin has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (MUR).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce merkin. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- MUR
- kin
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Merkin pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- MURSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ur" in nurse.
- kinKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of merkin
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: MUR-kin.
What does merkin mean?
- A woman's pubic wig. Worn for nude stage appearances and by women, originally after shaving their pubic hair to eliminate lice or for other reasons, now often as a fashion item.
- A mop for cleaning cannon.
- The male counterpart of a beard, a companion to a lesbian to feign her straightness.
Where does merkin come from?
First attested in 1617, probably a variant form of malkin, from Malde + -kin.
Words that rhyme with merkin
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of merkin.
Questions about saying merkin
How do you pronounce merkin?
Say MUR-kin. The American pronunciation is /ˈmɝkɪn/. In British English it is /ˈmɜːkɪn/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in merkin?
Merkin has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (MUR). Broken into parts: MUR · kin.
Is merkin 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 /ˈmɜːkɪn/ (MUR-kin).