How to pronounce parsnip
Say it like PAR-snip. Parsnip has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (PAR).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce parsnip. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- PAR
- snip
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Parsnip pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- PARSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- snipKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of parsnip
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: PAH-snip.
What does parsnip mean?
- A biennial plant, Pastinaca sativa, related to the carrot.
- The root of the parsnip, when used as a vegetable.
Where does parsnip come from?
From 16th-century parsnepe, from Middle English passenep, a modification of Old French pasnaie by influence of Middle English nepe (“turnip”), from Latin pastināca (“parsnip, carrot”), from pastinum (“two-pronged fork”) as in pastināre (“to
Questions about saying parsnip
How do you pronounce parsnip?
Say PAR-snip. The American pronunciation is /ˈpɑrsnɪp/. In British English it is /ˈpɑːsnɪp/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in parsnip?
Parsnip has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (PAR). Broken into parts: PAR · snip.
Is parsnip 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 /ˈpɑːsnɪp/ (PAH-snip).