How to pronounce sunflower
Say it like SUHN-flow-er. Sunflower has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SUHN).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce sunflower. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- SUHN
- flow
- er
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Sunflower pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- SUHNSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "u" in cup.
- flowGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "ow" in now.
- erKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of sunflower
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: SUHN-flow-uh.
What does sunflower mean?
- Any plant of the genus Helianthus, so called probably from the form and color of its floral head, having the form of a large disk surrounded by yellow ray flowers.
- The commonly cultivated species, Helianthus annuus, a native of America.
- A bright yellow, like that of the flower petals.
Where does sunflower come from?
From sun + flower. Compare English sunbloom.
Questions about saying sunflower
How do you pronounce sunflower?
Say SUHN-flow-er. The American pronunciation is /ˈsʌnˌflaʊɚ/. In British English it is /ˈsʌnflaʊə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in sunflower?
Sunflower has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SUHN). Broken into parts: SUHN · flow · er.
Is sunflower 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 /ˈsʌnflaʊə/ (SUHN-flow-uh).