How to pronounce screwdriver
Say it like SKROO-dry-ver. Screwdriver has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SKROO).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce screwdriver. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- SKROO
- dry
- ver
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Screwdriver pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- SKROOSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "oo" in food.
- dryGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "i" in time.
- verKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of screwdriver
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: SKROO-dry-vuh.
What does screwdriver mean?
- A hand tool or power tool which engages with the head of a screw and allows torque to be applied to turn the screw, thus driving it in or loosening it.
- A cocktail made of vodka and orange juice.
Where does screwdriver come from?
Compound of screw + driver.
Questions about saying screwdriver
How do you pronounce screwdriver?
Say SKROO-dry-ver. The American pronunciation is /ˈskruˌdraɪvɚ/. In British English it is /ˈskruːˌdraɪvə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in screwdriver?
Screwdriver has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SKROO). Broken into parts: SKROO · dry · ver.
Is screwdriver 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 /ˈskruːˌdraɪvə/ (SKROO-dry-vuh).