How to pronounce vermilion
Say it like ver-MIL-yun. Vermilion has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (MIL).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce vermilion. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- ver
- MIL
- yun
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Vermilion pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- verKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
- MILSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- yunKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of vermilion
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: vuh-MIL-yun.
What does vermilion mean?
- Having a brilliant red color.
- Having the color of the vermilion dye.
- A vivid red synthetic pigment made of mercury sulfide, cinnabar.
- A bright orange-red color.
- A type of red dye worn in the parting of the hair by married Hindu women.
- To color or paint vermilion.
Where does vermilion come from?
From Middle English vermelioun, vermyloun, vermylon, vermilun, from Old French vermeillon (“vermilion”), from vermeil, from Latin vermiculus (“little worm”), from vermis (“worm”), ultimately in reference to Kermes vermilio, a type of scale
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with vermilion
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of vermilion.
Words that sound like vermilion
Questions about saying vermilion
How do you pronounce vermilion?
Say ver-MIL-yun. The American pronunciation is /vɚˈmɪljən/. In British English it is /vəˈmɪljən/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in vermilion?
Vermilion has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (MIL). Broken into parts: ver · MIL · yun.
Is vermilion 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 /vəˈmɪljən/ (vuh-MIL-yun).
What words sound the same as vermilion?
Vermilion sounds the same as vermillion in American English. The spelling and meaning are what tell them apart.