How to pronounce vermin
Say it like VUR-min. Vermin has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (VUR).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce vermin. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- VUR
- min
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Vermin pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- VURSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ur" in nurse.
- minKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of vermin
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: VUR-min.
What does vermin mean?
- Any of various common types of small insects or other animals which cause harm and annoyance.“The area was crawling with all sorts of vermin: fleas, lice, mice, and rats to name a few. Thus, we felt as if vermin were crawling over us.”
- An animal that preys on game, such as a fox or a weasel.
- An obnoxious or mean and offensive person.“Bring these vermin to the Palace of Justice.”
Where does vermin come from?
From Middle English vermyn, vermyne, from Old French vermine, from Vulgar Latin *verminum (“vermin”), collective noun formed from Latin vermis (“worm”).
Words that rhyme with vermin
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of vermin.
Questions about saying vermin
How do you pronounce vermin?
Say VUR-min. The American pronunciation is /ˈvɝmɪn/. In British English it is /ˈvɜːmɪn/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in vermin?
Vermin has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (VUR). Broken into parts: VUR · min.
Is vermin 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 /ˈvɜːmɪn/ (VUR-min).