How to Pronounce Spur

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

spur

Tap to hear · American accent

Accent

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Speed

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1

Syllable

4

Letters

/spɜː/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “spur”

"spur" 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: spurr — easy to mix up when writing.

What does spur mean?

noun

  1. A rigid implement, often roughly y-shaped, that is fixed to one's heel for the purpose of prodding a horse. Often worn by, and emblematic of, the cowboy or the knight.
  2. A jab given with the spurs.

verb

  1. To prod (especially a horse) on the side or flank, with the intent to urge motion or haste, to gig.
  2. To urge or encourage to action, or to a more vigorous pursuit of an object

Synonyms

driveimpelinciteinstigatestimulate

Hear “spur” 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 spur

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

inferconcurstirdeferincurtransferslurdemurcurburrconnoisseuramateur

Related words

goadprodproddinggadgoadingspineurgingrowel

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "spur"?▾

"Spur" has one syllable.

What is the IPA transcription of "spur"?▾

The IPA transcription of "spur" is /spɜː/.

What does "spur" mean?▾

Spur: A rigid implement, often roughly y-shaped, that is fixed to one's heel for the purpose of prodding a horse. Often worn by, and emblematic of, the cowboy or the knight.

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