How to pronounce serpentine
Say it like SUR-pun-tyne. Serpentine has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SUR).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce serpentine. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- SUR
- pun
- tyne
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Serpentine 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.
- punKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- tyneGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "i" in time.
American vs British pronunciation of serpentine
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: SUR-pun-tyne.
What does serpentine mean?
- Of, pertaining to, or characteristic of snakes.
- Of, or having attributes associated with, the serpent referred to in the book of Genesis in the Bible, such as craftiness or deceitfulness.“The wily criminal was known for his serpentine behavior.”
- Having the form or shape of a snake.“There are serpentine species of lizards which do not have legs.”
- Any of several plants believed to cure snakebites.
- A kind of firework.
- A coiled distillation tube.
- To serpentize; to turn or bend; to meander.
Where does serpentine come from?
From Middle English serpentine, from Old French serpentin, from Latin serpentīnus, from serpēns (“serpent”), equivalent to serpent + -ine.
Words that rhyme with serpentine
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of serpentine.
Questions about saying serpentine
How do you pronounce serpentine?
Say SUR-pun-tyne. The American pronunciation is /ˈsɝpənˌtaɪn/. In British English it is /ˈsɜːpənˌtaɪn/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in serpentine?
Serpentine has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SUR). Broken into parts: SUR · pun · tyne.
Is serpentine 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 /ˈsɜːpənˌtaɪn/ (SUR-pun-tyne).