How to pronounce perm
Say it like PURM. Perm 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 perm. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- PURM
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Perm pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- PURMSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ur" in nurse.
American vs British pronunciation of perm
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: PURM.
What does perm mean?
- To give hair a perm, using heat, chemicals etc.
- A permutation.
- A combination of outcomes (not a permutation) that a gambler bets on in the football pools.
- Permission
Where does perm come from?
Short for permanent.
Words that rhyme with perm
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of perm.
Questions about saying perm
How do you pronounce perm?
Say PURM. The American pronunciation is /pɝm/. In British English it is /pɜːm/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in perm?
Perm is a single syllable, so the whole word carries the stress. Broken into parts: PURM.
Is perm 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 /pɜːm/ (PURM).