How to pronounce sword
Say it like SORD. Sword is a single syllable, so the whole word carries the stress.
- SORD
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Tip: The w is silent, so sword sounds like 'sord'.
Sword pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- SORDSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "aw" in law.
American vs British pronunciation of sword
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: SAWD.
What does sword mean?
- A long bladed weapon with a grip and typically a pommel and crossguard (together forming a hilt), which is designed to cut, stab, slash and/or hack.“He took out his sword and stabbed the man in the stomach.”
- A suit in certain playing card decks, particularly those used in Spain and Italy, or those used for divination.
- A card of this suit.
- To stab or cut with a sword
Where does sword come from?
Cognate with North Frisian Swērt, Swiirt, swörd (“sword”), Saterland Frisian Swid, Swäid (“sword”), West Frisian swurd (“sword”), Dutch zwaard (“sword”), German Schwert (“sword”), Luxembourgish Schwäert (“sword”), Vilamovian świert (“sword”
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with sword
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of sword.
Words that sound like sword
Questions about saying sword
How do you pronounce sword?
Say SORD. The American pronunciation is /sɔrd/. In British English it is /sɔːd/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in sword?
Sword is a single syllable, so the whole word carries the stress. Broken into parts: SORD.
Is sword 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 /sɔːd/ (SAWD).
What words sound the same as sword?
Sword sounds the same as soared in American English. The spelling and meaning are what tell them apart.