English pronunciation · Words Starting with H
Herpes Pronunciation
Herpes is pronounced HUR-peez, IPA /ˈhɝpiz/.
HUR-peez
US /ˈhɝpiz/ · UK /ˈhɜːpiːz/
Syllables: HUR · peez (2 syllables, stress on syllable 1)
noun: A common viral infection that causes blisters on the skin or mucous membranes.
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Herpes in a Sentence
- Most adults carry the virus that causes oral herpes.
- Herpes is treated with antiviral tablets.
- The clinic tests for herpes alongside other infections.
Common Mispronunciations of Herpes
Not HURP
The final es is a full second syllable, peez. Greek medical words keep that ending sounded, unlike English plurals.
Not HUR-pes
Stretch the ending to a buzzed peez. A short pes makes the word sound like a Latin nominative read cold.
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