English pronunciation · Words Starting with S

Shepherd Pronunciation

Shepherd is pronounced SHE-perd, IPA /ˈʃɛpɝd/.

SHE-perd

US /ˈʃɛpɝd/  ·  UK /ˈʃɛpəd/

Syllables: SHE · perd (2 syllables, stress on syllable 1)

noun and verb: A person who looks after sheep, or to guide a group somewhere.

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Shepherd in a Sentence

  • The shepherd brought the flock down at dusk.
  • She shepherded the children onto the coach.
  • A German shepherd waited by the gate.

Common Mispronunciations of Shepherd

Not SHEP-herd

The h in the middle is silent, so the second syllable is a plain perd. The word is a worn-down form of sheep-herd.

Not SHEEP-erd

The first vowel shortened long ago, even though the meaning has not. Rhyme the opening with step rather than with sleep.

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