How to pronounce surplus
Say it like SUR-plus. Surplus has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SUR).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce surplus. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- SUR
- plus
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Surplus pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- SURSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ur" in nurse.
- plusKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of surplus
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: SUR-plus.
What does surplus mean?
- a quantity much larger than is needed
- more than is needed, desired, or required“trying to lose excess weight”“found some extra change lying on the dresser”
Where does surplus come from?
From Middle English surplus, from Middle French surplus.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying surplus
How do you pronounce surplus?
Say SUR-plus. The American pronunciation is /ˈsɝpləs/. In British English it is /ˈsɜːpləs/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in surplus?
Surplus has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SUR). Broken into parts: SUR · plus.
Is surplus 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 /ˈsɜːpləs/ (SUR-plus).