How to pronounce smorgasbord
Say it like SMOR-gus-bord. Smorgasbord has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SMOR).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce smorgasbord. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- SMOR
- gus
- bord
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Smorgasbord pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- SMORSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "aw" in law.
- gusKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- bordGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "aw" in law.
American vs British pronunciation of smorgasbord
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: SMAW-gas-bawd.
What does smorgasbord mean?
- A Swedish-style buffet comprising a variety of cold sandwiches and other dishes; (by extension) any buffet with a wide selection of dishes.
- An abundant and diverse collection of things.
Where does smorgasbord come from?
Borrowed from Swedish smörgåsbord (“buffet with many small dishes; smorgasbord”), from smörgås (“sandwich”) + bord (“table”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying smorgasbord
How do you pronounce smorgasbord?
Say SMOR-gus-bord. The American pronunciation is /ˈsmɔrɡəsˌbɔrd/. In British English it is /ˈsmɔːɡæsˌbɔːd/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in smorgasbord?
Smorgasbord has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SMOR). Broken into parts: SMOR · gus · bord.
Is smorgasbord 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 /ˈsmɔːɡæsˌbɔːd/ (SMAW-gas-bawd).