How to pronounce virgin
Say it like VUR-jin. Virgin 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 virgin. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- VUR
- jin
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Virgin 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.
- jinKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of virgin
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: VUR-jin.
What does virgin mean?
- a person who has never had sex
- (astrology) a person who is born while the sun is in Virgo
- the sixth sign of the zodiac; the sun is in this sign from about August 23 to September 22
- being used or worked for the first time“virgin wool”
- in a state of sexual virginity“pure and vestal modesty”“a spinster or virgin lady”
Where does virgin come from?
From Middle English virgine, from Old French virgine, from Latin virginem, accusative of virgō.
Questions about saying virgin
How do you pronounce virgin?
Say VUR-jin. The American pronunciation is /ˈvɝdʒɪn/. In British English it is /ˈvɜːdʒɪn/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in virgin?
Virgin has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (VUR). Broken into parts: VUR · jin.
Is virgin 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 /ˈvɜːdʒɪn/ (VUR-jin).