How to pronounce smirking
Say it like SMUR-king. Smirking has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SMUR).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce smirking. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- SMUR
- king
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Smirking pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- SMURSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ur" in nurse.
- kingKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of smirking
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: SMUR-king.
What does smirking mean?
Words that rhyme with smirking
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of smirking.
Questions about saying smirking
How do you pronounce smirking?
Say SMUR-king. The American pronunciation is /ˈsmɝkɪŋ/. In British English it is /ˈsmɜːkɪŋ/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in smirking?
Smirking has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SMUR). Broken into parts: SMUR · king.
Is smirking 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 /ˈsmɜːkɪŋ/ (SMUR-king).