How to pronounce piercing
Say it like PEER-sing. Piercing has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (PEER).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce piercing. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- PEER
- sing
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Piercing pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- PEERSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- singKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of piercing
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: PEER-sing.
What does piercing mean?
- having or demonstrating ability to recognize or draw fine distinctions“an acute observer of politics and politicians”“incisive comments”
- painful as if caused by a sharp instrument“a cutting wind”“keen winds”
Where does piercing come from?
From pierce + -ing.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying piercing
How do you pronounce piercing?
Say PEER-sing. The American pronunciation is /ˈpɪrsɪŋ/. In British English it is /ˈpɪəsɪŋ/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in piercing?
Piercing has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (PEER). Broken into parts: PEER · sing.
Is piercing 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 /ˈpɪəsɪŋ/ (PEER-sing).