How to pronounce worker
Say it like WUR-ker. Worker has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (WUR).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce worker. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- WUR
- ker
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Worker 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.
- kerKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of worker
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: WUR-kuh.
What does worker mean?
- a person who works at a specific occupation“he is a good worker”
- a member of the working class (not necessarily employed)“workers of the world--unite!”
- sterile member of a colony of social insects that forages for food and cares for the larvae
Where does worker come from?
Inherited from Middle English worchere, werkere, equivalent to work + -er.
Words that rhyme with worker
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of worker.
Questions about saying worker
How do you pronounce worker?
Say WUR-ker. The American pronunciation is /ˈwɝkɚ/. In British English it is /ˈwɜːkə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in worker?
Worker has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (WUR). Broken into parts: WUR · ker.
Is worker 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 /ˈwɜːkə/ (WUR-kuh).