How to Pronounce Germ

To pronounce "germ", say GERM — one syllable, IPA /d͡ʒɜːm/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

germ

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Accent

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Speed

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1

Syllable

4

Letters

/d͡ʒɜːm/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “germ”

"germ" is a single-syllable word — say it in one clean beat. It rhymes with affirm and firm, if that helps it stick.

Sounds exactly like: germe — easy to mix up when writing.

What does germ mean?

noun

  1. The small mass of cells from which a new organism develops; a seed, bud or spore.
  2. A pathogenic microorganism.

verb

  1. To germinate.
  2. To grow, as if parasitic.

Hear “germ” 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 germ

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

affirmfirminfirmconfirmreaffirmtermsquirmbermlongtermspermfromferm

Related words

seedmicrobebugsourcesproutgerminationgerminalspore

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "germ"?▾

"Germ" has one syllable.

What is the IPA transcription of "germ"?▾

The IPA transcription of "germ" is /d͡ʒɜːm/.

What does "germ" mean?▾

Germ: The small mass of cells from which a new organism develops; a seed, bud or spore.

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