How to pronounce serpent
Say it like SUR-punt. Serpent has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SUR).
VoiceSpeed
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce serpent. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
US American/ˈsɝpənt/SUR-punt
UK British/ˈsɜːpənt/SUR-punt
- SUR
- punt
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Serpent pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- SURSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ur" in nurse.
- puntKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of serpent
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: SUR-punt.
What does serpent mean?
noun
- A snake-like creature, such as a sea serpent.
- A person who is subtle, malicious, treacherous, or deceiving.
- An obsolete wind instrument in the brass family, whose shape is suggestive of a snake (Wikipedia article).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying serpent
How do you pronounce serpent?
Say SUR-punt. The American pronunciation is /ˈsɝpənt/. In British English it is /ˈsɜːpənt/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in serpent?
Serpent has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SUR). Broken into parts: SUR · punt.
Is serpent 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 /ˈsɜːpənt/ (SUR-punt).