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How to pronounce zephyr

Say it like ZEF-er. Zephyr has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (ZEF).

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Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce zephyr. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.

US American/ˈzɛfɚ/ZEF-er
UK British/ˈzɛfə/ZEF-uh
  • ZEF
  • er
  • Main stress
  • Lighter stress
  • Unstressed

Zephyr pronunciation, sound by sound

Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.

  1. ZEFSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
  2. erKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.

American vs British pronunciation of zephyr

  • Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.

British respelling: ZEF-uh.

What does zephyr mean?

noun
  1. A light wind from the west.
  2. Any light refreshing wind; a gentle breeze.
  3. Anything of fine, soft, or light quality, especially fabric.
verb
  1. To blow or move like a zephyr, or light breeze.
  2. To blow or blow on gently like a zephyr; to cool or refresh with a gentle breeze.

Similar and opposite words

Similar meaning

Questions about saying zephyr

How do you pronounce zephyr?

Say ZEF-er. The American pronunciation is /ˈzɛfɚ/. In British English it is /ˈzɛfə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.

How many syllables are in zephyr?

Zephyr has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (ZEF). Broken into parts: ZEF · er.

Is zephyr 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 /ˈzɛfə/ (ZEF-uh).

Pronunciation from Wiktionary; meaning and origin adapted from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0).