How to Pronounce Perfume

To pronounce "perfume", say PERF-um-e — 3 syllables, IPA /ˈpɜːfjuːm/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

perfume

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Accent

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Speed

Syllable by syllable — tap each one

Practice: Record & Compare

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Syllables

Letters

/ˈpɜːfjuːm/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “perfume”

"perfume" has 3 syllables: perf-um-e. It rhymes with plume and presume, if that helps it stick.

What does perfume mean?

noun

A pleasant smell; the scent, odor, or odoriferous particles emitted from a sweet-smelling substance; a pleasant odor
A substance created to provide a pleasant smell or one which emits an agreeable odor.

verb

To apply perfume to; to fill or impregnate with a perfume; to scent.

Synonyms

aroma fragrance scent

Hear “perfume” 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 perfume

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

plume presume loom exhume boom room assume fume tomb gloom spume resume

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "perfume"?▾

"Perfume" has 3 syllables: perf · um · e.

What is the IPA transcription of "perfume"?▾

The IPA transcription of "perfume" is /ˈpɜːfjuːm/.

What does "perfume" mean?▾

Perfume: A pleasant smell; the scent, odor, or odoriferous particles emitted from a sweet-smelling substance; a pleasant odor

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