How to pronounce scarf
Say it like SKARF. Scarf 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 scarf. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- SKARF
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Scarf pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- SKARFSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
American vs British pronunciation of scarf
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: SKAHF.
What does scarf mean?
- a garment worn around the head or neck or shoulders for warmth or decoration
- a joint made by notching the ends of two pieces of timber or metal so that they will lock together end-to-end
- unite by a scarf joint
- wrap in or adorn with a scarf
Where does scarf come from?
Probably from Old Northern French escarpe (compare Old French escharpe (“pilgrim's purse suspended from the neck”), which see).
Words that rhyme with scarf
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of scarf.
Questions about saying scarf
How do you pronounce scarf?
Say SKARF. The American pronunciation is /skɑrf/. In British English it is /skɑːf/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in scarf?
Scarf is a single syllable, so the whole word carries the stress. Broken into parts: SKARF.
Is scarf 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 /skɑːf/ (SKAHF).