How to pronounce pumpernickel
Say it like PUHM-per-nik-ul. Pumpernickel has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (PUHM).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce pumpernickel. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- PUHM
- per
- nik
- ul
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Pumpernickel pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- PUHMSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "u" in cup.
- perKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
- nikGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- ulKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of pumpernickel
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: PUHM-puh-nik-ul.
What does pumpernickel mean?
- A German sourdough bread made from rye.
Where does pumpernickel come from?
From Westphalian German Pumpernickel, from Pumper (“fart”) (or a related form, such as pumpern) and Nickel (“rascal”) (from the male name Nikolaus (“Nicholas”)), possibly originating as an insult for a person or for the bread itself by outsiders.
Questions about saying pumpernickel
How do you pronounce pumpernickel?
Say PUHM-per-nik-ul. The American pronunciation is /ˈpʌmpɚˌnɪkəl/. In British English it is /ˈpʌmpəˌnɪkəl/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in pumpernickel?
Pumpernickel has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (PUHM). Broken into parts: PUHM · per · nik · ul.
Is pumpernickel 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 /ˈpʌmpəˌnɪkəl/ (PUHM-puh-nik-ul).