How to pronounce varnish
Say it like VAR-nish. Varnish has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (VAR).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce varnish. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- VAR
- nish
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Varnish pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- VARSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- nishKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of varnish
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: VAH-nish.
What does varnish mean?
- A clear or translucent liquid coating composed of resin dissolved in a solvent, which dries by evaporation to form a hard, protective, and typically glossy finish.
- Anything resembling such a coating; a glossy appearance.
- A deceptively showy appearance.
- To apply varnish.
- To cover up with varnish.
- To make something superficially or deceptively attractive“varnish the report”
Words that rhyme with varnish
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of varnish.
Questions about saying varnish
How do you pronounce varnish?
Say VAR-nish. The American pronunciation is /ˈvɑrnɪʃ/. In British English it is /ˈvɑːnɪʃ/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in varnish?
Varnish has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (VAR). Broken into parts: VAR · nish.
Is varnish 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 /ˈvɑːnɪʃ/ (VAH-nish).