How to Pronounce Jerk

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

jerk

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Accent

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1

Syllable

4

Letters

/d͡ʒɜːk/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “jerk”

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

Sounds exactly like: gerk, gerke — easy to mix up when writing.

What does jerk mean?

noun

  1. A sudden, often uncontrolled movement, especially of the body.
  2. A quick, often unpleasant tug or shake.

    “When I yell "OK," give the mooring line a good jerk!”

verb

  1. To make a sudden uncontrolled movement.
  2. To give a quick, often unpleasant tug or shake.

Synonyms

joltlurchsurgeyanknumbskulljump

Words that rhyme with jerk

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

smirkworkframeworklurkdirkmurkberserkburkecirqueshirkgroundworkartwork

Related words

yankflicktugjoltfliphitchdorktwitch

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "jerk"?▾

"Jerk" has one syllable.

What is the IPA transcription of "jerk"?▾

The IPA transcription of "jerk" is /d͡ʒɜːk/.

What does "jerk" mean?▾

Jerk: A sudden, often uncontrolled movement, especially of the body.

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