How to Pronounce Shirk

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

shirk

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Accent

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1

Syllable

5

Letters

/ʃɜːk/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “shirk”

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

Sounds exactly like: sherk — easy to mix up when writing.

What does shirk mean?

noun

  1. One who shirks, who avoids a duty or responsibility.

verb

  1. To avoid, especially a duty, responsibility, etc.; to stay away from.
  2. To evade an obligation; to avoid the performance of duty, as by running away.

    “If you have a job, don't shirk from it by staying off work.”

Synonyms

dodger

Words that rhyme with shirk

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

smirkjerkworkframeworklurkdirkmurkberserkburkecirquegroundworkartwork

Related words

wareshuneschewavoidabandondeprivederogaterenege

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "shirk"?▾

"Shirk" has one syllable.

What is the IPA transcription of "shirk"?▾

The IPA transcription of "shirk" is /ʃɜːk/.

What does "shirk" mean?▾

Shirk: One who shirks, who avoids a duty or responsibility.

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