How to Pronounce Gruff

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

gruff

Tap to hear · American accent

Accent

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Speed

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1

Syllable

5

Letters

/ɡɹʌf/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “gruff”

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

What does gruff mean?

verb

  1. To speak gruffly.

adjective

  1. Having a rough, surly, and harsh demeanor and nature.
  2. Hoarse-voiced.

Hear “gruff” 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 gruff

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

puffchuffroughbufftoughsloughbluffsnuffstuffmuffrebuffguff

Related words

curmudgeonlyill-naturedill-humoredcacophonoushuskyhoarseill-humouredcacophonic

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "gruff"?▾

"Gruff" has one syllable.

What is the IPA transcription of "gruff"?▾

The IPA transcription of "gruff" is /ɡɹʌf/.

What does "gruff" mean?▾

Gruff: To speak gruffly.

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