How to pronounce potpourri
Say it like poh-puh-REE. Potpourri has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (REE).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce potpourri. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- poh
- puh
- REE
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Potpourri pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- pohGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "o" in go.
- puhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "oo" in book.
- REESay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of potpourri
- The long o starts further forward in British English, closer to "uh-oo" than the American "oh".
British respelling: poh-puh-REE.
What does potpourri mean?
- A mixture of dried fragrant plant material, often in a decorative bowl, used to scent a room.
- A medley of songs or music.
- A ragout or stew of meat and vegetables.
Where does potpourri come from?
From French pot-pourri (“stew, potpourri”), a calque of Spanish olla podrida (“stew”, literally “rotten pot”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with potpourri
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of potpourri.
Questions about saying potpourri
How do you pronounce potpourri?
Say poh-puh-REE. The American pronunciation is /ˌpoʊpʊˈri/. In British English it is /ˌpəʊpəˈriː/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in potpourri?
Potpourri has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (REE). Broken into parts: poh · puh · REE.
Is potpourri pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. The long o starts further forward in British English, closer to "uh-oo" than the American "oh". The British form is /ˌpəʊpəˈriː/ (poh-puh-REE).