How to Pronounce Smug

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

smug

Tap to hear · American accent

Accent

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Speed

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1

Syllable

4

Letters

/smʌɡ/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “smug”

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

What does smug mean?

verb

  1. To make smug, or spruce.
  2. To seize; to confiscate.

adjective

  1. Irritatingly pleased with oneself, offensively self-complacent, self-satisfied.

    “Kate looked extremely smug this morning.”

  2. Studiously neat or nice, especially in dress; spruce; affectedly precise; smooth and prim.

Synonyms

complacentgloatyself-satisfied

Hear “smug” 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 smug

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

snugslugbugplugjugtugsprigmughughumbugfirebugdrug

Related words

self-satisfiedcontentcontentedcomplacenthappysatisfiedenoughnarrow-minded

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "smug"?▾

"Smug" has one syllable.

What is the IPA transcription of "smug"?▾

The IPA transcription of "smug" is /smʌɡ/.

What does "smug" mean?▾

Smug: To make smug, or spruce.

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