How to pronounce pilfer
Say it like PIL-fer. Pilfer has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (PIL).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce pilfer. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- PIL
- fer
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Pilfer pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- PILSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- ferKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of pilfer
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: PIL-fuh.
What does pilfer mean?
- To steal in small quantities, or articles of small value; to practise petty theft.“pilfer goods”
Where does pilfer come from?
From earlier pilfre, from Middle English pilfre (“booty”), from Old French pelfre (“plunder, booty, spoils”), of unknown origin.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying pilfer
How do you pronounce pilfer?
Say PIL-fer. The American pronunciation is /ˈpɪlfɚ/. In British English it is /ˈpɪlfə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in pilfer?
Pilfer has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (PIL). Broken into parts: PIL · fer.
Is pilfer 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 /ˈpɪlfə/ (PIL-fuh).