How to pronounce Severn
Say it like SEV-ern. Severn has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SEV).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce Severn. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- SEV
- ern
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Severn pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- SEVSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- ernKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of Severn
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: SEV-un.
What does Severn mean?
- A river in England and Wales that flows into the Bristol Channel.
- A long river in northern Ontario which flows into Hudson Bay.
- A short river in central Ontario which flows into Lake Huron.
Where does Severn come from?
From Middle English Severne, from Old English Sæfern, ultimately from Proto-Celtic *Sabrinā (compare Welsh Hafren), perhaps from *samaros (“summer fallow”).
Questions about saying Severn
How do you pronounce Severn?
Say SEV-ern. The American pronunciation is /ˈsɛvɚn/. In British English it is /ˈsɛvən/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in Severn?
Severn has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SEV). Broken into parts: SEV · ern.
Is Severn 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 /ˈsɛvən/ (SEV-un).