How to pronounce smithereens
Say it like smith-uh-REENZ. Smithereens has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (REENZ).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce smithereens. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- smith
- uh
- REENZ
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Smithereens pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- smithGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- REENZSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of smithereens
American and British speakers say smithereens in essentially the same way: /ˌsmɪðəˈrinz/ in the US and /smɪðəˈriːnz/ in the UK.
British respelling: smih-thuh-REENZ.
What does smithereens mean?
- Fragments or splintered pieces; numerous tiny disconnected items.“The urn shattered into smithereens the moment it hit the ground.”
Words that rhyme with smithereens
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of smithereens.
Questions about saying smithereens
How do you pronounce smithereens?
Say smith-uh-REENZ. The American pronunciation is /ˌsmɪðəˈrinz/. In British English it is /smɪðəˈriːnz/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in smithereens?
Smithereens has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (REENZ). Broken into parts: smith · uh · REENZ.
Do Americans and Brits say smithereens the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˌsmɪðəˈrinz/ and the British form is /smɪðəˈriːnz/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.