How to pronounce umpire
Say it like UHM-py-er. Umpire has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (UHM).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce umpire. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- UHM
- py
- er
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Umpire pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- UHMSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "u" in cup.
- pyGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "i" in time.
- erKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of umpire
- American English uses 3 syllables and British English 2.
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: UHM-py.
What does umpire mean?
- An official who presides over a sports match.
- The official who presides over a tennis match sat on a high chair.
- One of the two white-coated officials who preside over a cricket match.
- To act as an umpire in a game.
- To decide as an umpire.
Where does umpire come from?
From a Middle English rebracketing of a noumper as an oumper, from Old French nonper (“odd number, not even (as a tie-breaking arbitrator)”), from non (“not”) + per (“equal”), from Latin par (“equal”).
Questions about saying umpire
How do you pronounce umpire?
Say UHM-py-er. The American pronunciation is /ˈʌmˌpaɪɚ/. In British English it is /ˈʌmpaɪ/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in umpire?
Umpire has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (UHM). Broken into parts: UHM · py · er.
Is umpire pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. American English uses 3 syllables and British English 2. The British form is /ˈʌmpaɪ/ (UHM-py).