How to Pronounce Varnish

To pronounce "varnish", say VARN-ish — 2 syllables, IPA /ˈvɑː(ɹ)nɪʃ/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

varnish

Tap to hear · American accent

Accent

If an accent sounds the same, your device is missing that voice — it falls back to the closest one.

Speed

Syllable by syllable — tap each one

Practice: Record & Compare

Record yourself saying varnish, then compare with the target. Your audio stays on this device — nothing is uploaded.

2

Syllables

7

Letters

/ˈvɑː(ɹ)nɪʃ/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “varnish”

"varnish" has 2 syllables: varn-ish. It rhymes with garnish and tarnish, if that helps it stick.

What does varnish mean?

noun

  1. A type of paint with a solvent that evaporates to leave a hard, transparent, glossy film.
  2. Anything resembling such a paint; glossy appearance.

verb

  1. To apply varnish.
  2. To cover up with varnish.

Hear “varnish” 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 varnish

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

garnishtarnishbarnishharnischharnish

Related words

sealshellacveneerglazepaintpolishingspargolden

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "varnish"?▾

"Varnish" has 2 syllables: varn · ish.

What is the IPA transcription of "varnish"?▾

The IPA transcription of "varnish" is /ˈvɑː(ɹ)nɪʃ/.

What does "varnish" mean?▾

Varnish: A type of paint with a solvent that evaporates to leave a hard, transparent, glossy film.

Want the definition, translations into 8 languages, and read-aloud for full sentences?

Open “varnish” in the full dictionary →