How to Pronounce “turmeric”

American (US)

/ˈtɜːrmərɪk/

British (UK)

/ˈtɜːmərɪk/

noun — A bright yellow spice made from the dried root of a ginger-family plant.

Example: Turmeric gives the rice its colour.

Where the stress falls. “turmeric” has 3 syllables, and the transcription /ˈtɜːrmərɪk/ puts the primary stress mark (ˈ) before the first one — so the first syllable is the longest and loudest. The others are said quickly and lightly.

An unstressed vowel reduces to schwa. /ˈtɜːrmərɪk/ contains a schwa /ə/ — the short, neutral “uh” that English unstressed syllables collapse into. Saying /ə/ there, instead of the vowel the spelling suggests, is most of what makes the word sound native.

What does "turmeric" mean?

turmeric (noun): A bright yellow spice made from the dried root of a ginger-family plant. For example — Turmeric gives the rice its colour.

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

American English: /ˈtɜːrmərɪk/. British English: /ˈtɜːmərɪk/. Play both on this page to hear the difference.

What is the IPA transcription of "turmeric"?

/ˈtɜːrmərɪk/ in American English, /ˈtɜːmərɪk/ in British English.

Which syllable is stressed in "turmeric"?

“turmeric” has 3 syllables, and the transcription /ˈtɜːrmərɪk/ puts the primary stress mark (ˈ) before the first one — so the first syllable is the longest and loudest. The others are said quickly and lightly.