How to pronounce upper
Say it like UHP-er. Upper has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (UHP).
VoiceSpeed
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce upper. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
US American/ˈʌpɚ/UHP-er
UK British/ˈʌpə/UHP-uh
- UHP
- er
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Upper pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- UHPSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "u" in cup.
- erKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of upper
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: UHP-uh.
What does upper mean?
adjective
- the topmost one of two
- higher in place or position“the upper bunk”“in the upper center of the picture”
- superior in rank or accomplishment“the upper half of the class”
- the higher of two berths
- piece of leather or synthetic material that forms the part of a shoe or boot above the sole that encases the foot“Uppers come in many styles”
- a central nervous system stimulant that increases energy and decreases appetite; used to treat narcolepsy and some forms of depression
Where does upper come from?
Inherited from Middle English upper.
Questions about saying upper
How do you pronounce upper?
Say UHP-er. The American pronunciation is /ˈʌpɚ/. In British English it is /ˈʌpə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in upper?
Upper has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (UHP). Broken into parts: UHP · er.
Is upper 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 /ˈʌpə/ (UHP-uh).