How do you pronounce "defer"?

In American English: /dɪˈfɝː/ (di-FUR). In British English: /dɪfˈɜː/ (dif-Ɜ). In Canadian English: /dɪˈfɝː/ (di-FUR). In Australian English: /dɪfˈɜː/ (dif-Ɜ).

Is "defer" pronounced differently in American and British English?

Yes. In American English it's pronounced /dɪˈfɝː/ (di-FUR), while in British English it's /dɪfˈɜː/ (dif-Ɜ).

How to Pronounce "defer"

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defer

regional

/dɪˈfɝː/

di-FUR

Syllable Breakdown

dɪde·fɝːfer

Source

90%confidence📘 CMU Pronouncing Dictionary v0.7b

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Last updated: 2026-02-14