How to pronounce surf
Say it like SURF. Surf is a single syllable, so the whole word carries the stress.
VoiceSpeed
US American/sɝf/SURF
UK British/sɜːf/SURF
- SURF
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Surf pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- SURFSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ur" in nurse.
American vs British pronunciation of surf
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: SURF.
What does surf mean?
noun
- Waves that break on an ocean shoreline.
- An instance or session of riding a surfboard in the surf.“We went for a surf this morning.”
- A dance popular in the 1960s in which the movements of a surfboard rider are mimicked.
- To ride a wave on a surfboard; to pursue or take part in the sport of surfing.
- To surf at a specified place.
- To bodysurf; to swim in the surf at a beach.
Where does surf come from?
The verb referring to "browsing the Internet" was popularized by Jean Armour Polly.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with surf
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of surf.
Questions about saying surf
How do you pronounce surf?
Say SURF. The American pronunciation is /sɝf/. In British English it is /sɜːf/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in surf?
Surf is a single syllable, so the whole word carries the stress. Broken into parts: SURF.
Is surf 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 /sɜːf/ (SURF).