How to pronounce underground
Say it like UHN-der-grownd. Underground has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (UHN).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce underground. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- UHN
- der
- grownd
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Underground pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- UHNSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "u" in cup.
- derKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
- growndGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "ow" in now.
American vs British pronunciation of underground
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: UHN-duh-grownd.
What does underground mean?
- under the level of the ground“belowground storage areas”“underground caverns”
- conducted with or marked by hidden aims or methods“clandestine intelligence operations”“cloak-and-dagger activities behind enemy lines”
- a secret group organized to overthrow a government or occupation force
- an electric railway operating below the surface of the ground (usually in a city)“in Paris the subway system is called the `metro' and in London it is called the `tube' or the `underground'”
- in or into hiding or secret operation“the organization was driven underground”
- beneath the surface of the earth“water flowing underground”
Where does underground come from?
From Middle English undergrounde (adverb), equivalent to under + ground or under- + ground.
Questions about saying underground
How do you pronounce underground?
Say UHN-der-grownd. The American pronunciation is /ˈʌndɚˌɡraʊnd/. In British English it is /ˈʌndəˌɡraʊnd/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in underground?
Underground has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (UHN). Broken into parts: UHN · der · grownd.
Is underground 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 /ˈʌndəˌɡraʊnd/ (UHN-duh-grownd).