How to pronounce turning
Say it like TUR-ning. Turning has two 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 turning. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- TUR
- ning
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Turning 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.
- ningKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of turning
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: TUR-ning.
What does turning mean?
- the act of changing or reversing the direction of the course“he took a turn to the right”
- act of changing in practice or custom“the law took many turnings over the years”
- a shaving created when something is produced by turning it on a lathe
Where does turning come from?
From Middle English turnyng, turnynge, from Old English tyrning, turnung, equivalent to turn + -ing.
Words that rhyme with turning
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of turning.
Questions about saying turning
How do you pronounce turning?
Say TUR-ning. The American pronunciation is /ˈtɝnɪŋ/. In British English it is /ˈtɜːnɪŋ/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in turning?
Turning has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (TUR). Broken into parts: TUR · ning.
Is turning 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 /ˈtɜːnɪŋ/ (TUR-ning).