How to Pronounce Stern

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

stern

Tap to hear · American accent

Accent

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Speed

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1

Syllable

5

Letters

/stɜːn/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “stern”

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

Sounds exactly like: sterne, stirn, stearn, stearne — easy to mix up when writing.

What does stern mean?

adjective

  1. Having a hardness and severity of nature or manner.
  2. Grim and forbidding in appearance.

Hear “stern” 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 stern

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

discerntaciturnconcernspurnreturndernchurnturnyearnburnunconcernearn

Related words

austeredemandingstrictgrimexactingunforgivingpratrelentless

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "stern"?▾

"Stern" has one syllable.

What is the IPA transcription of "stern"?▾

The IPA transcription of "stern" is /stɜːn/.

What does "stern" mean?▾

Stern: Having a hardness and severity of nature or manner.

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