How to Pronounce Purr

To pronounce "purr", say PURR — one syllable, IPA /pɜː(ɹ)/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

purr

Tap to hear · American accent

Accent

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Speed

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1

Syllable

4

Letters

/pɜː(ɹ)/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “purr”

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

Sounds exactly like: pere, per, pur — easy to mix up when writing.

What does purr mean?

noun

  1. The vibrating sound made by a cat in its throat when contented.
  2. A throaty, seductive sound of pleasure made by a person.

verb

  1. Of a cat, to make a vibrating sound in its throat when contented.
  2. To say (something) in a throaty, seductive manner.

interjection

  1. Throat vibrating sound made by a cat.

Words that rhyme with purr

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

inferconcurstirdeferincurtransferslurspurdemurcurburrconnoisseur

Related words

whirwhizzbirrwhirrwhizpusshumcurr

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "purr"?▾

"Purr" has one syllable.

What is the IPA transcription of "purr"?▾

The IPA transcription of "purr" is /pɜː(ɹ)/.

What does "purr" mean?▾

Purr: The vibrating sound made by a cat in its throat when contented.

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