How to pronounce nerd
Say it like NURD. Nerd 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 nerd. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- NURD
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Nerd pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- NURDSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ur" in nurse.
American vs British pronunciation of nerd
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: NURD.
What does nerd mean?
- an insignificant student who is ridiculed as being affected or boringly studious
- an intelligent but single-minded expert in a particular technical field or profession
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with nerd
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of nerd.
Questions about saying nerd
How do you pronounce nerd?
Say NURD. The American pronunciation is /nɝd/. In British English it is /nɜːd/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in nerd?
Nerd is a single syllable, so the whole word carries the stress. Broken into parts: NURD.
Is nerd 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 /nɜːd/ (NURD).