How to pronounce perch
Say it like PURCH. Perch is a single syllable, so the whole word carries the stress.
VoiceSpeed
US American/pɝtʃ/PURCH
UK British/pɜːtʃ/PURCH
- PURCH
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Perch pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- PURCHSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ur" in nurse.
American vs British pronunciation of perch
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: PURCH.
What does perch mean?
noun
- Any of the three species of spiny-finned freshwater fish in the genus Perca.
- Acanthopagrus berda
- Distichodus engycephalus, Distichodus rostratus
- A rod, staff, tree branch, ledge, etc., used as a roost by a bird.
- A pole connecting the fore gear and hind gear of a spring carriage; a reach.
- A position that is secure and advantageous, especially one which is prominent or elevated.
- To rest on a perch (especially, of a bird); to roost.“The macaw perched on Jim's shoulder.”
- To sit upon the edge of something.
- To stay in an elevated position.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with perch
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of perch.
Questions about saying perch
How do you pronounce perch?
Say PURCH. The American pronunciation is /pɝtʃ/. In British English it is /pɜːtʃ/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in perch?
Perch is a single syllable, so the whole word carries the stress. Broken into parts: PURCH.
Is perch 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 /pɜːtʃ/ (PURCH).