How to pronounce silkworm
Say it like SIL-kwerm. Silkworm has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SIL).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce silkworm. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- SIL
- kwerm
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Silkworm pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- SILSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- kwermKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of silkworm
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: SIL-kwurm.
What does silkworm mean?
- Any of various caterpillars of moths that produce silk cocoons, especially Bombyx mori, the source of most commercial silk.
Where does silkworm come from?
From Middle English silkwirm, from Old English seolcwyrm (“silkworm”), equivalent to silk + worm.
Questions about saying silkworm
How do you pronounce silkworm?
Say SIL-kwerm. The American pronunciation is /ˈsɪlkwɚm/. In British English it is /ˈsɪlkwɜːm/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in silkworm?
Silkworm has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SIL). Broken into parts: SIL · kwerm.
Is silkworm 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 /ˈsɪlkwɜːm/ (SIL-kwurm).