How to pronounce shepherd
Say it like SHEP-erd. Shepherd has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SHEP).
- SHEP
- erd
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Shepherd pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- SHEPSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- erdKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of shepherd
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: SHEP-ud.
What does shepherd mean?
- A person who tends sheep, especially a grazing flock.
- A male sheep tender
- Someone who watches over, looks after, or guides somebody.
- To watch over; to guide.
- To obstruct an opponent from getting to the ball, either when a teammate has it or is going for it, or if the ball is about to bounce through the goal or out of bounds.
Where does shepherd come from?
From Middle English schepherde, from Old English sċēaphierde, a compound of sċēap (“sheep”) and hierde (“herdsman”), equivalent to modern sheep + herd (“herder”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
- pastor
- sheepherder
- sheepman
Words that rhyme with shepherd
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of shepherd.
Words that sound like shepherd
- Sheppard
- shepard
Questions about saying shepherd
How do you pronounce shepherd?
Say SHEP-erd. The American pronunciation is /ˈʃɛpɚd/. In British English it is /ˈʃɛpəd/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in shepherd?
Shepherd has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SHEP). Broken into parts: SHEP · erd.
Is shepherd 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 /ˈʃɛpəd/ (SHEP-ud).
What words sound the same as shepherd?
Shepherd sounds the same as Sheppard, shepard in American English. The spelling and meaning are what tell them apart.