How to Pronounce Defer

To pronounce "defer", say DEF-er — 2 syllables, IPA /dɪˈfɜː(ɹ)/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

defer

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Accent

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Speed

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2

Syllables

5

Letters

/dɪˈfɜː(ɹ)/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “defer”

"defer" has 2 syllables: def-er. It rhymes with infer and concur, if that helps it stick.

What does defer mean?

verb

  1. To delay or postpone

    “We're going to defer the decision until we have all the facts.”

  2. After winning the opening coin toss, to postpone until the start of the second half a team's choice of whether to kick off or receive (and to allow the opposing team to make this choice at the start of the first half).

Hear “defer” 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 defer

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

inferconcurstirincurtransferslurspurdemurcurburrconnoisseuramateur

Related words

postponesubmitaccederemitshelve

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "defer"?▾

"Defer" has 2 syllables: def · er.

What is the IPA transcription of "defer"?▾

The IPA transcription of "defer" is /dɪˈfɜː(ɹ)/.

What does "defer" mean?▾

Defer: To delay or postpone

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