How to Pronounce Surplus

To pronounce "surplus", say SURPL-us — 2 syllables, IPA /ˈsɜːpləs/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

surplus

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Accent

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2

Syllables

7

Letters

/ˈsɜːpləs/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “surplus”

"surplus" has 2 syllables: surpl-us.

What does surplus mean?

noun

  1. That which remains when use or need is satisfied, or when a limit is reached; excess; overplus.
  2. Specifically, an amount in the public treasury at any time greater than is required for the ordinary purposes of the government.

verb

  1. To treat as surplus to requirements, to sell off.

adjective

  1. Being or constituting a surplus; more than sufficient

    “It is surplus to our needs”

Synonyms

oversum

Antonyms

deficitlack

Hear “surplus” in real sentences

Real example sentences from Tatoeba (CC-BY) — tap to hear each one, or see it used on YouGlish.

Related words

excesssurplusageextrasuperfluoussupererogatoryredundantsparesupernumerary

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "surplus"?▾

"Surplus" has 2 syllables: surpl · us.

What is the IPA transcription of "surplus"?▾

The IPA transcription of "surplus" is /ˈsɜːpləs/.

What does "surplus" mean?▾

Surplus: That which remains when use or need is satisfied, or when a limit is reached; excess; overplus.

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