How to pronounce stirrup
Say it like STUR-up. Stirrup has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (STUR).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce stirrup. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- STUR
- up
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Stirrup pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- STURSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ur" in nurse.
- upKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of stirrup
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: STIR-up.
What does stirrup mean?
- A ring or hoop suspended by a rope or strap from the saddle, for a horseman's foot while mounting or riding.
- Any piece shaped like the stirrup of a saddle, used as a support, clamp, etc.
- A portable, flexible ladder-like device used in climbing.
- Referring to women's pants/trousers: being of a form, commonly worn by women, that includes a strap beneath the arch of the foot.
Where does stirrup come from?
Cognate with Dutch stegereep, stegelreep (“stirrup”), Old Saxon stigerēp (“stirrup”), Middle High German stereip, stegreif ("stirrup"; > German Stegreif (“improvisation”)), Icelandic stigreip (“stirrup”).
Questions about saying stirrup
How do you pronounce stirrup?
Say STUR-up. The American pronunciation is /ˈstɝəp/. In British English it is /ˈstɪrəp/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in stirrup?
Stirrup has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (STUR). Broken into parts: STUR · up.
Is stirrup 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 /ˈstɪrəp/ (STIR-up).