Learn How to Pronounce stir

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:

stir

Definition:

(nou) a prominent or sensational but short-lived news event (nou) emotional agitation and excitement (nou) a rapid active commotion

Phonetic Transcription:

stɜː

Examples:

Humor, pathos, and satire sought to stir the feelings of the public.

Add the ice to the milk and stir.

Finally, stir in the walnuts and raisins.

Learn more about:
stir

Related Words:

motivate

feeling

How to perfect your pronunciation of: stir

Learn Individual Sounds

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

Copy Others

Use the tools above to find out how different people say stir 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 stir in the pronunciation tool as many times as it takes before you get it right. Record yourself saying different sentences with stir.

Get a Native Tutor

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

Common mistakes of stir pronunciation

Dropping the "r": Some learners omit the "r" sound, pronouncing it as "sti." This leads to confusion with words like "sit." Correct pronunciation is /stɪr/ in US and /stɜː/ in UK. Tip: Focus on articulating the "r" clearly.
Misplacing the stress: Incorrectly stressing the second syllable, saying "sti-'r," can make "stir" sound unnatural. The correct stress is on the single syllable /stɪr/ in US and /stɜː/ in UK. Tip: Practice saying "stir" with a strong emphasis on the whole word.
Confusing vowel sounds: Some may pronounce "stir" with a long "i" sound, saying "steer." The correct vowel sound is /ɪ/ in the US and /ɜː/ in the UK. Tip: Listen to native speakers to catch the subtle difference in vowel pronunciation.
Overemphasizing the "t": Some learners may add a "t" sound, pronouncing it as "sttir." This is incorrect as "stir" has only one syllable. The correct pronunciation is /stɪr/ in US and /stɜː/ in UK. Tip: Keep it simple and smooth without adding extra sounds.
Neglecting the diphthong: Failing to pronounce the diphthong can lead to a flat sound, saying "sir" instead of "stir." The correct pronunciation includes the glide from /ɪ/ to /r/ in US and /ɜː/ to /r/ in UK. Tip: Practice the transition between the vowel and "r" for clarity.

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "stir" in American English?

In American English, "stir" is pronounced as /stɜr/ with the stress on the only syllable. The vowel sound is similar to the "ir" in "bird," making it a single, short sound.

Is there a difference in pronunciation of "stir" between American and British English?

In British English, "stir" is pronounced as /stɜː/ with a longer vowel sound. The primary stress remains on the same syllable, but the vowel length distinguishes it from the American pronunciation.

What is the syllable structure of "stir"?

The word "stir" has one syllable, making it a monosyllabic word. This simplicity contributes to its quick and easy pronunciation, which is especially useful in casual conversation.

Are there any common mistakes when pronouncing "stir"?

A common mistake is to overemphasize the vowel sound, leading to a pronunciation that sounds like "steer." Remember to keep the vowel short and focused, as in /stɜr/, to avoid confusion.