How to pronounce Worcestershire
Say it like WUUS-ter-sher. Worcestershire has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (WUUS).
- WUUS
- ter
- sher
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Tip: Much shorter than it looks: 'WUUS-ter-sher'. The middle 'ces' is skipped.
Worcestershire pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- WUUSSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "oo" in book.
- terKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
- sherKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of Worcestershire
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: WUUS-tuh-shuh.
What does Worcestershire mean?
- A midland county of England bordered by Shropshire, Staffordshire, Warwickshire, Gloucestershire, Herefordshire and West Midlands.
Where does Worcestershire come from?
From Middle English Wyrcestreschire, from Old English Weogornaċeastresċīr; equivalent to Worcester + -shire.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
- worcester sauce
- worcestershire sauce
Questions about saying Worcestershire
How do you pronounce Worcestershire?
Say WUUS-ter-sher. The American pronunciation is /ˈwʊstɚʃɚ/. In British English it is /ˈwʊstəʃə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in Worcestershire?
Worcestershire has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (WUUS). Broken into parts: WUUS · ter · sher.
Is Worcestershire 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 /ˈwʊstəʃə/ (WUUS-tuh-shuh).