How to pronounce underworld
Say it like UHN-der-wurld. Underworld 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 underworld. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- UHN
- der
- wurld
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Underworld 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.
- wurldGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "ur" in nurse.
American vs British pronunciation of underworld
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: UHN-duh-wurld.
What does underworld mean?
- The world of the dead, located underneath the world of the living; the afterlife.“In Hindu scriptures, the four-eyed dogs Śārvara and Śyāma guard the underworld's entrance.”
- That part of society that is engaged in crime or vice, and particularly those involved in organized crime.“A disproportionate amount of local politicians have connections to the underworld.”
- The portion of a game that is set below ground.
Where does underworld come from?
From under- + world.
Questions about saying underworld
How do you pronounce underworld?
Say UHN-der-wurld. The American pronunciation is /ˈʌndɚˌwɝld/. In British English it is /ˈʌndəˌwɜːld/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in underworld?
Underworld has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (UHN). Broken into parts: UHN · der · wurld.
Is underworld 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 /ˈʌndəˌwɜːld/ (UHN-duh-wurld).