How to pronounce Somerset
Say it like SUHM-er-set. Somerset has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SUHM).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce Somerset. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- SUHM
- er
- set
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Somerset pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- SUHMSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "u" in cup.
- erKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
- setGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
American vs British pronunciation of Somerset
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: SUHM-uh-set.
What does Somerset mean?
- an acrobatic feat in which the feet roll over the head (either forward or backward) and return
- a county in southwestern England on the Bristol Channel
Where does Somerset come from?
From Old English Sumorsǣte, which is short for Sumortūnsǣte, meaning "the people living at or dependent upon Sumortūn (Somerton)".
Questions about saying Somerset
How do you pronounce Somerset?
Say SUHM-er-set. The American pronunciation is /ˈsʌmɚˌsɛt/. In British English it is /ˈsʌməˌsɛt/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in Somerset?
Somerset has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SUHM). Broken into parts: SUHM · er · set.
Is Somerset 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 /ˈsʌməˌsɛt/ (SUHM-uh-set).