How to pronounce sassafras
Say it like SAS-uh-fras. Sassafras has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SAS).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce sassafras. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- SAS
- uh
- fras
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Sassafras pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- SASSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- frasGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
American vs British pronunciation of sassafras
American and British speakers say sassafras in essentially the same way: /ˈsæsəˌfræs/ in the US and /ˈsæsəfræs/ in the UK.
British respelling: SAS-uh-fras.
What does sassafras mean?
- A tree of species Sassafras albidum of the eastern United States and Asia having mitten-shaped leaves and red, aromatic heartwood.
- A tree of any species in the genus Sassafras.
- The bark of the root of this plant, used for medicinal and (mostly historically) culinary purposes and formerly a main ingredient in root beer.
Where does sassafras come from?
From Spanish sasafrás, possibly from Latin saxifragus (“stone-breaking”) from the habit of certain plants growing in cracks in boulders.
Questions about saying sassafras
How do you pronounce sassafras?
Say SAS-uh-fras. The American pronunciation is /ˈsæsəˌfræs/. In British English it is /ˈsæsəfræs/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in sassafras?
Sassafras has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SAS). Broken into parts: SAS · uh · fras.
Do Americans and Brits say sassafras the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈsæsəˌfræs/ and the British form is /ˈsæsəfræs/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.