How to pronounce Norfolk
Say it like NOR-fuk. Norfolk has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (NOR).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce Norfolk. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- NOR
- fuk
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Norfolk pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- NORSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "aw" in law.
- fukKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of Norfolk
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: NAW-fuk.
What does Norfolk mean?
- A maritime county of eastern England bordered by Cambridgeshire, Lincolnshire, Suffolk, and the North Sea.
- An independent city in Virginia; the largest naval base in the world is situated there.
- An island of Australia; in full, Norfolk Island.
Where does Norfolk come from?
From Middle English Northfolk, from Old English Norþfolc (literally “northern people”), from norþ (“north, northern”) + folc (“folk, people, race, nation”), equivalent to north + folk.
Questions about saying Norfolk
How do you pronounce Norfolk?
Say NOR-fuk. The American pronunciation is /ˈnɔrfək/. In British English it is /ˈnɔːfək/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in Norfolk?
Norfolk has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (NOR). Broken into parts: NOR · fuk.
Is Norfolk 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 /ˈnɔːfək/ (NAW-fuk).