How to pronounce Sherlock
Say it like SHUR-lok. Sherlock has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SHUR).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce Sherlock. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- SHUR
- lok
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Sherlock pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- SHURSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ur" in nurse.
- lokGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
American vs British pronunciation of Sherlock
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
British respelling: SHUR-lok.
What does Sherlock mean?
- someone who can be employed as a detective to collect information
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying Sherlock
How do you pronounce Sherlock?
Say SHUR-lok. The American pronunciation is /ˈʃɝˌlɑk/. In British English it is /ˈʃɜːˌlɒk/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in Sherlock?
Sherlock has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SHUR). Broken into parts: SHUR · lok.
Is Sherlock 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 /ˈʃɜːˌlɒk/ (SHUR-lok).