How to pronounce runoff
Say it like RUHN-awf. Runoff has two 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 runoff. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- RUHN
- awf
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Runoff 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.
- awfGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "aw" in law.
American vs British pronunciation of runoff
American and British speakers say runoff in essentially the same way: /ˈrʌˌnɔf/ in the US and /ˈrʌˌnɒf/ in the UK.
British respelling: RUHN-of.
What does runoff mean?
- the occurrence of surplus liquid (as water) exceeding the limit or capacity
- a final election to resolve an earlier election that did not produce a winner
Where does runoff come from?
Deverbal from run off.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying runoff
How do you pronounce runoff?
Say RUHN-awf. The American pronunciation is /ˈrʌˌnɔf/. In British English it is /ˈrʌˌnɒf/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in runoff?
Runoff has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (RUHN). Broken into parts: RUHN · awf.
Do Americans and Brits say runoff the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈrʌˌnɔf/ and the British form is /ˈrʌˌnɒf/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.