How to Pronounce Sour

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

sour

Tap to hear · American accent

Accent

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Speed

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1

Syllable

4

Letters

/ˈsaʊə/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “sour”

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

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

What does sour mean?

noun

  1. The sensation of a sour taste.
  2. A drink made with whiskey, lemon or lime juice and sugar.

verb

  1. To make sour.

    “Too much lemon juice will sour the recipe.”

  2. To become sour.

adjective

  1. Having an acidic, sharp or tangy taste.

    “Lemons have a sour taste.”

  2. Made rancid by fermentation, etc.

    “Don't drink that milk; it's turned sour.”

Antonyms

sweet

Hear “sour” 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 sour

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

glowerdourlourpowerempowerscourbowertowerdevouroverpowercowerbrainpower

Related words

rancidtarttartnessacerbacerbicsullenmorosesaturnine

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "sour"?▾

"Sour" has one syllable.

What is the IPA transcription of "sour"?▾

The IPA transcription of "sour" is /ˈsaʊə/.

What does "sour" mean?▾

Sour: The sensation of a sour taste.

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