How to pronounce spear
Say it like SPEER. Spear is a single syllable, so the whole word carries the stress.
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce spear. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- SPEER
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Spear pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- SPEERSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of spear
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: SPEER.
What does spear mean?
- a long pointed rod used as a tool or weapon
- an implement with a shaft and barbed point used for catching fish
- pierce with a spear“spear fish”
- thrust up like a spear“The branch speared up into the air”
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with spear
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of spear.
Questions about saying spear
How do you pronounce spear?
Say SPEER. The American pronunciation is /spɪr/. In British English it is /spɪə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in spear?
Spear is a single syllable, so the whole word carries the stress. Broken into parts: SPEER.
Is spear 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 /spɪə/ (SPEER).