How to pronounce ringworm
Say it like RING-wurm. Ringworm has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (RING).
- RING
- wurm
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Ringworm pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- RINGSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- wurmGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "ur" in nurse.
American vs British pronunciation of ringworm
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: RING-wurm.
What does ringworm mean?
- A contagious fungal infection of the skin, characterized by ring-shaped discolored patches, covered by vesicles or scales.
Where does ringworm come from?
From Middle English ringworm (“ringworm; intestinal worm”), from Old English rengwyrm (“maw-worm, intestinal worm”), equivalent to ring + worm.
Questions about saying ringworm
How do you pronounce ringworm?
Say RING-wurm. The American pronunciation is /ˈrɪŋˌwɝm/. In British English it is /ˈrɪŋˌwɜːm/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in ringworm?
Ringworm has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (RING). Broken into parts: RING · wurm.
Is ringworm 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 /ˈrɪŋˌwɜːm/ (RING-wurm).