How to pronounce word
Say it like WURD. Word 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 word. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- WURD
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Word pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- WURDSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ur" in nurse.
American vs British pronunciation of word
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: WURD.
What does word mean?
- a unit of language that native speakers can identify“words are the blocks from which sentences are made”“he hardly said ten words all morning”
- a brief statement“he didn't say a word about it”
- information about recent and important events“they awaited news of the outcome”
- put into words or an expression“He formulated his concerns to the board of trustees”
Where does word come from?
Cognate with Scots wird (“word”), North Frisian uurd, Uurt, wurd, wårde, wür (“word”), Saterland Frisian Woud, Wud (“word”), West Frisian wurd (“word”), Alemannic German wort, wourd, wuart, wòrt, wört (“word”), Bavarian boart, bort, bört, W
Words that rhyme with word
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of word.
Questions about saying word
How do you pronounce word?
Say WURD. The American pronunciation is /wɝd/. In British English it is /wɜːd/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in word?
Word is a single syllable, so the whole word carries the stress. Broken into parts: WURD.
Is word 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 /wɜːd/ (WURD).