How to pronounce shipworm
Say it like SHIP-wurm. Shipworm has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SHIP).
VoiceSpeed
US American/ˈʃɪpwɝm/SHIP-wurm
UK British/ˈʃɪpwɜːm/SHIP-wurm
- SHIP
- wurm
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Shipworm pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- SHIPSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- wurmKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ur" in nurse.
American vs British pronunciation of shipworm
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: SHIP-wurm.
What does shipworm mean?
noun
- Any of several wormlike marine molluscs (not true worms) of the family Teredinidae that bore through the wooden hulls of ships and other woody material immersed in salt water; specifically, the naval shipworm or turu (Teredo navalis), the type species of the genus Teredo.
Where does shipworm come from?
From ship + worm.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
- teredine
- teredinid
Questions about saying shipworm
How do you pronounce shipworm?
Say SHIP-wurm. The American pronunciation is /ˈʃɪpwɝm/. In British English it is /ˈʃɪpwɜːm/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in shipworm?
Shipworm has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SHIP). Broken into parts: SHIP · wurm.
Is shipworm 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 /ˈʃɪpwɜːm/ (SHIP-wurm).