How to pronounce smirk
Say it like SMURK. Smirk is a single syllable, so the whole word carries the stress.
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce smirk. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- SMURK
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Smirk pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- SMURKSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ur" in nurse.
American vs British pronunciation of smirk
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: SMURK.
What does smirk mean?
- To smile in a way that is affected, smug, insolent or contemptuous.
- An uneven, often crooked smile that is insolent, self-satisfied, conceited or scornful.
- A forced or affected smile.
Where does smirk come from?
The specific meaning of a mocking or unpleasant, malicious smile or grin develops in Early Modern English, but until the 18th century, it could still be used to describe a generic smile.
Words that rhyme with smirk
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of smirk.
Questions about saying smirk
How do you pronounce smirk?
Say SMURK. The American pronunciation is /smɝk/. In British English it is /smɜːk/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in smirk?
Smirk is a single syllable, so the whole word carries the stress. Broken into parts: SMURK.
Is smirk 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 /smɜːk/ (SMURK).