How to Pronounce “herb”

American (US)

/ɜːrb/

British (UK)

/hɜːb/

Australian (AU)

/hɜːb/

noun — A plant whose leaves are used for flavouring food or for medicine.

Example: Fresh herbs make a noticeable difference to the sauce.

What does "herb" mean?

herb (noun): A plant whose leaves are used for flavouring food or for medicine. For example — Fresh herbs make a noticeable difference to the sauce.

How do you pronounce "herb" in American vs British English?

American English: /ɜːrb/. British English: /hɜːb/. Play both on this page to hear the difference.

What is the IPA transcription of "herb"?

/ɜːrb/ in American English, /hɜːb/ in British English, /hɜːb/ in Australian English.

The H Sound — How to Pronounce It (and Silent H)

H is a puff of breath with no mouth position of its own. When it is pronounced, when it is silent, and why hour, honest and herb behave differently.

• Silent H words
• US vs UK vowel words