How to pronounce permafrost
Say it like PUR-muh-frawst. Permafrost has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (PUR).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce permafrost. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- PUR
- muh
- frawst
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Permafrost pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- PURSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ur" in nurse.
- muhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- frawstGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "aw" in law.
American vs British pronunciation of permafrost
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: PUR-muh-frawst.
What does permafrost mean?
- Permanently frozen ground, or a specific layer thereof.
Where does permafrost come from?
From perma- + frost.
Questions about saying permafrost
How do you pronounce permafrost?
Say PUR-muh-frawst. The American pronunciation is /ˈpɝməˌfrɔst/. In British English it is /ˈpɜːməˌfrɔst/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in permafrost?
Permafrost has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (PUR). Broken into parts: PUR · muh · frawst.
Is permafrost 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 /ˈpɜːməˌfrɔst/ (PUR-muh-frawst).