How to pronounce purr
Say it like PUR. Purr is a single syllable, so the whole word carries the stress.
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce purr. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- PUR
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Purr 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.
American vs British pronunciation of purr
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: PUR.
What does purr mean?
- The vibrating sound made by a cat in its throat when contented.
- A throaty, seductive sound of pleasure made by a person.
- The low consistent rumble made by an engine at slow speed
- To make a vibrating sound in its throat when contented or in certain other conditions.
- To say (something) in a throaty, seductive manner.
- To make a vibrating throaty sound, as from pleasure.“He purred like a kitten when she massaged his neck.”
- Vibrating sound made by a cat.
- Alternative form of period.
Where does purr come from?
Onomatopoeic.
Words that rhyme with purr
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of purr.
Words that sound like purr
Questions about saying purr
How do you pronounce purr?
Say PUR. The American pronunciation is /pɝ/. In British English it is /pɜː/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in purr?
Purr is a single syllable, so the whole word carries the stress. Broken into parts: PUR.
Is purr 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 /pɜː/ (PUR).
What words sound the same as purr?
Purr sounds the same as per in American English. The spelling and meaning are what tell them apart.