How to pronounce runaround
Say it like RUHN-uh-rownd. Runaround has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (RUHN).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce runaround. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- RUHN
- uh
- rownd
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Runaround pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- RUHNSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "u" in cup.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- rowndGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "ow" in now.
American vs British pronunciation of runaround
American and British speakers say runaround in essentially the same way: /ˈrʌnəˌraʊnd/ in the US and /ˈrʌnəˌraʊnd/ in the UK.
British respelling: RUHN-uh-rownd.
What does runaround mean?
- An evasive explanation in the form of multiple excuses.“I called them to find out what had happened to my parcel, but all I got was a runaround.”
- A detour or route that bypasses an obstacle.
- A section of type that is narrower than that of the column it is part of; typically next to an illustration.
Where does runaround come from?
Deverbal from run around.
Questions about saying runaround
How do you pronounce runaround?
Say RUHN-uh-rownd. The American pronunciation is /ˈrʌnəˌraʊnd/. In British English it is /ˈrʌnəˌraʊnd/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in runaround?
Runaround has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (RUHN). Broken into parts: RUHN · uh · rownd.
Do Americans and Brits say runaround the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈrʌnəˌraʊnd/ and the British form is /ˈrʌnəˌraʊnd/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.