How to pronounce whirr
Say it like WUR. Whirr is a single syllable, so the whole word carries the stress.
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce whirr. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- WUR
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Whirr pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- WURSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ur" in nurse.
American vs British pronunciation of whirr
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: WUR.
What does whirr mean?
- To move or vibrate (something) with a buzzing sound.
- To make a sibilant buzzing or droning sound.
- To cause (something) to make such a sound.
- A sibilant buzz or vibration; the sound of something in rapid motion.
- A bustle of noise and excitement.
- The vibrating sound made by a panther in its throat when contented.
Where does whirr come from?
From Middle English whirren, probably from Old Norse: compare Danish hvirre, virre, Norwegian kvirre, Old Norse hvirfla (“to whirl, spread”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with whirr
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of whirr.
Words that sound like whirr
- we're
Questions about saying whirr
How do you pronounce whirr?
Say WUR. The American pronunciation is /wɝ/. In British English it is /wɜː/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in whirr?
Whirr is a single syllable, so the whole word carries the stress. Broken into parts: WUR.
Is whirr 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 /wɜː/ (WUR).
What words sound the same as whirr?
Whirr sounds the same as we're in American English. The spelling and meaning are what tell them apart.