How to Pronounce Borrow

To pronounce "borrow", say BORR-ow — 2 syllables, IPA /ˈbɔɹoʊ/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

borrow

Tap to hear · American accent

Accent

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Speed

Syllable by syllable — tap each one

Practice: Record & Compare

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Syllables

Letters

/ˈbɔɹoʊ/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “borrow”

"borrow" has 2 syllables: borr-ow. It rhymes with apropos and show, if that helps it stick.

What does borrow mean?

noun

Deviation of the path of a rolling ball from a straight line; slope; slant.
“This putt has a big left-to right borrow on it.”
A borrow pit.

verb

To receive (something) from somebody temporarily, expecting to return it.
To take money from a bank under the agreement that the bank will be paid over the course of time.

Synonyms

adopt use

Antonyms

carry give back lend return

Hear “borrow” in real sentences

Real example sentences from Tatoeba (CC-BY) — tap to hear each one, or see it used on YouGlish.

Words that rhyme with borrow

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

apropos show flow fallow although low bestow glow afterglow throw grotto beau

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "borrow"?▾

"Borrow" has 2 syllables: borr · ow.

What is the IPA transcription of "borrow"?▾

The IPA transcription of "borrow" is /ˈbɔɹoʊ/.

What does "borrow" mean?▾

Borrow: Deviation of the path of a rolling ball from a straight line; slope; slant.

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