How to pronounce squirrel
Say it like SKWUR-rul. Squirrel has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SKWUR).
- SKWUR
- rul
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Squirrel pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- SKWURSay this part loudest and longest.
- rulKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of squirrel
American and British speakers say squirrel in essentially the same way: /ˈskwɜrəl/ in the US and /ˈskwɪrəl/ in the UK.
British respelling: SKWIR-ul.
What does squirrel mean?
- a kind of arboreal rodent having a long bushy tail
- the fur of a squirrel
Where does squirrel come from?
Displaced native Middle English acquerne, aquerne, from Old English ācweorna.
Words that rhyme with squirrel
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of squirrel.
Questions about saying squirrel
How do you pronounce squirrel?
Say SKWUR-rul. The American pronunciation is /ˈskwɜrəl/. In British English it is /ˈskwɪrəl/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in squirrel?
Squirrel has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SKWUR). Broken into parts: SKWUR · rul.
Do Americans and Brits say squirrel the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈskwɜrəl/ and the British form is /ˈskwɪrəl/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.