How to pronounce worry
Say it like WUR-ree. Worry has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (WUR).
- WUR
- ree
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Worry pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- WURSay this part loudest and longest.
- reeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of worry
American and British speakers say worry in essentially the same way: /ˈwɜri/ in the US and /ˈwʌri/ in the UK.
British respelling: WUHR-ee.
What does worry mean?
- To be troubled; to give way to mental anxiety or doubt.
- Disturb the peace of mind of; afflict with mental agitation or distress; to exercise.“Your tone of voice worries me.”
- To harass; to irritate or distress.“The President was worried into military action by persistent advisors.”
- A strong feeling of anxiety.“I'm afflicted by worry throughout the night.”
- An instance or cause of such a feeling.“My main worry is that I'll miss the train.”
- A person who causes worry.
Where does worry come from?
Cognate with Dutch worgen, wurgen, German würgen.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Opposite meaning
Words that rhyme with worry
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of worry.
Questions about saying worry
How do you pronounce worry?
Say WUR-ree. The American pronunciation is /ˈwɜri/. In British English it is /ˈwʌri/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in worry?
Worry has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (WUR). Broken into parts: WUR · ree.
Do Americans and Brits say worry the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈwɜri/ and the British form is /ˈwʌri/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.