How to pronounce smooth
Say it like SMOOTH. Smooth is a single syllable, so the whole word carries the stress.
- SMOOTH
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Smooth pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- SMOOTHSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "oo" in food.
American vs British pronunciation of smooth
American and British speakers say smooth in essentially the same way: /smuð/ in the US and /smuːð/ in the UK.
British respelling: SMOOTH.
What does smooth mean?
- Having a texture that lacks friction. Not rough.
- Without difficulty, problems, or unexpected consequences or incidents.“We hope for a smooth transition to the new system.”
- Bland; glib.
- Smoothly.“The paths true love never ran smooth(ly).”
- Something that is smooth, or that goes smoothly and easily.
- A smoothing action.
- A domestic animal having a smooth coat.
Where does smooth come from?
From Middle English smothe, smethe, from Old English smēþe, smōþ, both from Proto-West Germanic *smanþī, of unknown origin.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Opposite meaning
Words that rhyme with smooth
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of smooth.
Questions about saying smooth
How do you pronounce smooth?
Say SMOOTH. The American pronunciation is /smuð/. In British English it is /smuːð/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in smooth?
Smooth is a single syllable, so the whole word carries the stress. Broken into parts: SMOOTH.
Do Americans and Brits say smooth the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /smuð/ and the British form is /smuːð/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.