How to Pronounce Midwife

To pronounce "midwife", say MIDW-if-e — 3 syllables, IPA /ˈmɪd.waɪf/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

midwife

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Accent

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Speed

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3

Syllables

7

Letters

/ˈmɪd.waɪf/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “midwife”

"midwife" has 3 syllables: midw-if-e. It rhymes with strife and rife, if that helps it stick.

What does midwife mean?

noun

  1. A person, usually a woman, who is trained to assist women in childbirth, but who is not a physician.

    “A hundred years ago, a midwife would bring the baby into the world - going to a hospital to deliver a baby was either impossible or unheard of.”

  2. Someone who assists in bringing about some result or project.

verb

  1. To act as a midwife
  2. To facilitate the emergence of

Synonyms

accoucheuse

Hear “midwife” 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 midwife

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

striferifelifeknifewifeafterlifealewifeco-wife

Related words

accoucheusemidwiferybirthaccoucheurobstetriciangynecologistnurse-midwifedoula

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "midwife"?▾

"Midwife" has 3 syllables: midw · if · e.

What is the IPA transcription of "midwife"?▾

The IPA transcription of "midwife" is /ˈmɪd.waɪf/.

What does "midwife" mean?▾

Midwife: A person, usually a woman, who is trained to assist women in childbirth, but who is not a physician.

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