Learn How to Pronounce pierce

Not sure how to say a word? Try the Promova pronunciation tool for free and learn how to pronounce anything in English correctly. Discover over 100,000 words and easily learn English pronunciation online!

Find your word:

Find how to pronounce a word and practice it in our free word pronouncer for English learners!

How to pronounce:

Listen to the pronunciation:

pierce

Definition:

(nou) 14th President of the United States (1804-1869)

Phonetic Transcription:

pɪəs

Examples:

Aboriginals pierce their skin at the age of 17.

Learn more about:
pierce

Related Words:

hole

How to perfect your pronunciation of: pierce

Learn Individual Sounds

Break pierce down into individual sounds such as pɪəs. Practice these parts before you learn to say the whole word.

Copy Others

Use the tools above to find out how different people say pierce in their accents, then try to repeat after them.

Pick an Accent

Avoid mixing word pronunciations. If you’re learning American English, stick to it and try not to confuse yourself with British pronunciation.

Record Yourself

Say pierce in the pronunciation tool as many times as it takes before you get it right. Record yourself saying different sentences with pierce.

Get a Native Tutor

Improve your pronunciation with native speakers! Practice with American, British, and Australian teachers on Promova.

Common mistakes of pierce pronunciation

Misplacing the vowel sound: Some may pronounce "pierce" with an incorrect vowel sound, saying "pirs" instead of the correct /pɪərs/ (US) or /pɪəs/ (UK). Tip: Focus on the "i" sound, ensuring it is pronounced as /ɪ/ before the "erce".
Ignoring the "r" sound: A common mistake is to drop the "r" sound in "pierce", leading to a pronunciation like /pɪs/. This can confuse listeners. Tip: Practice emphasizing the "r" sound to maintain clarity, as in /pɪərs/ (US) or /pɪəs/ (UK).
Incorrect syllable stress: Some might incorrectly stress the second syllable, saying "pi-ERCE" instead of the correct stress on the first syllable, "PIERCE". Tip: Remember that "pierce" is a one-syllable word, so keep the emphasis on the beginning.
Overemphasizing the "c" sound: Overpronouncing the "c" in "pierce" can lead to a pronunciation like /pɪərk/, which is incorrect. Tip: The "c" should be soft, almost blending into the "e" sound, as in /pɪərs/ (US) or /pɪəs/ (UK).
Mispronouncing the ending: Some may mispronounce "pierce" with an extra vowel sound at the end, saying /pɪərsə/. This is not standard. Tip: Ensure the ending is crisp and clear, with no added sounds, following the correct pronunciation.

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "pierce" in American English?

In American English, "pierce" is pronounced as /pɪrs/. The primary stress is on the first syllable, which sounds like "peer" with a short "i" sound.

What is the British pronunciation of "pierce"?

In British English, "pierce" is also pronounced as /pɪəs/ or /pɪrs/. The difference lies in the vowel sound, where the second variant includes a schwa, making it sound slightly different from the American version.

Are there any common mistakes when pronouncing "pierce"?

Many learners mistakenly add an extra vowel sound, pronouncing it as "pee-ers." Remember that "pierce" has only one syllable, pronounced as /pɪrs/, with a clear "i" sound.

What are some minimal pairs for "pierce"?

Minimal pairs for "pierce" include "peers" and "pier." These words differ in vowel sounds and meanings, so it's important to practice the pronunciation of "pierce" as /pɪrs/ to avoid confusion.