How to pronounce overturn
Say it like OH-ver-turn. Overturn has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (OH).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce overturn. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- OH
- ver
- turn
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Overturn pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- OHSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "o" in go.
- verKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
- turnGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "ur" in nurse.
American vs British pronunciation of overturn
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
- The long o starts further forward in British English, closer to "uh-oo" than the American "oh".
British respelling: OH-vuh-turn.
What does overturn mean?
- To turn over, capsize or upset.
- To overthrow or destroy.
- To reverse (a decision); to overrule or rescind.
- A turning over or upside-down; inversion.
- The overturning or overthrow of some institution or state of affairs; ruin.
Where does overturn come from?
From Middle English overturnen, equivalent to over- + turn.
Questions about saying overturn
How do you pronounce overturn?
Say OH-ver-turn. The American pronunciation is /ˈoʊvɚˌtɝn/. In British English it is /ˈəʊvəˌtɜːn/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in overturn?
Overturn has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (OH). Broken into parts: OH · ver · turn.
Is overturn 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 /ˈəʊvəˌtɜːn/ (OH-vuh-turn).