How to Pronounce Heir

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

heir

Tap to hear · American accent

Accent

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Speed

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1

Syllable

4

Letters

/ˈɛɹ/

🇺🇸 IPA (US)

/ˈeə/

🇬🇧 IPA (UK)

💡 Tip for remembering “heir”

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

Sounds exactly like: air, err, eyre, ayre — easy to mix up when writing.

What does heir mean?

noun

  1. Someone who inherits, or is designated to inherit, the property of another.
  2. One who inherits, or has been designated to inherit, a hereditary title or office.

verb

  1. To inherit.

Synonyms

beneficiaryinheritor

Hear “heir” 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 heir

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

despairglaredebonairbaredeclareaffairflarefairwelfareawareairsquare

Related words

inheritorheritorsuccessorinheritheiressheritageinheritancelegatee

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "heir"?▾

"Heir" has one syllable.

What is the IPA transcription of "heir"?▾

The IPA transcription of "heir" is /ˈɛɹ/.

What does "heir" mean?▾

Heir: Someone who inherits, or is designated to inherit, the property of another.

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