How to pronounce turmeric
Say it like TUR-muh-rik. Turmeric has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (TUR).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce turmeric. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- TUR
- muh
- rik
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Tip: The first r is pronounced: 'TUR-mer-ik'. Many people skip it.
Turmeric pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- TURSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ur" in nurse.
- muhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- rikGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of turmeric
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: TUR-muh-rik.
What does turmeric mean?
- An Indian plant (Curcuma longa), with aromatic rhizomes, part of the ginger family (Zingiberaceae).
- The pulverized rhizome of the turmeric plant, used for flavoring and to add a bright yellow color to food.
- A yellow to reddish-brown dye extracted from the turmeric plant.
Where does turmeric come from?
From Middle English turmeryte, tarmaret, of uncertain origin.
Questions about saying turmeric
How do you pronounce turmeric?
Say TUR-muh-rik. The American pronunciation is /ˈtɝməˌrɪk/. In British English it is /ˈtɜːmərɪk/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in turmeric?
Turmeric has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (TUR). Broken into parts: TUR · muh · rik.
Is turmeric 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 /ˈtɜːmərɪk/ (TUR-muh-rik).