2 syllables: farm, house. Stress on farm.
FAHRM-hows
/ˈfɑɹˌmhaʊs/
farmhouse is pronounced FAHRM-hows (/ˈfɑɹˌmhaʊs/). It has two syllables (farm-house), with the stress on "farm". Farmhouse refers to a large house that is part of or located on a farm, typically reflecting rural architectural styles. It denotes a dwelling associated with agricultural settings, often featuring practical, sturdy construction. In broader use, it can describe a residence that evokes a rustic, country aesthetic and traditional rural living.
Farmhouse refers to a large house that is part of or located on a farm, typically reflecting rural architectural styles. It denotes a dwelling associated with agricultural settings, often featuring practical, sturdy construction. In broader use, it can describe a residence that evokes a rustic, country aesthetic and traditional rural living.
"The couple converted the old barn into a charming farmhouse guest suite."
"From the porch of the farmhouse, you could see fields stretching to the horizon."
"They maintained the farmhouse’s timber beams and stone foundation for a rustic appeal."
Pronounce FARM-house with two syllables, stress on the first: /ˈfɑːrmˌhaʊs/ in US and UK transcriptions. The first syllable contains the /f/ + /ɑː/ vowel cluster, followed by /r/ in rhotic accents, then a light /m/ into the second syllable /haʊs/, which rhymes with 'house'. Mouth positioning: lower jaw drops for /ɑː/, lips spread for /haʊs/. IPA references: US /ˈfɑːrmˌhaʊs/, UK /ˈfɑːmˌhaʊs/, AU /ˈfɑːmˌhaʊs/.
Two common errors: 1) Dropping the /r/ in rhotic speakers (saying /ˈfɑːm haʊs/). Correction: keep the rhotic /r/ sound in the first syllable: /ˈfɑːrm/. 2) Slurring the second syllable, producing /ˈfɑːrmaʊs/ or /ˈfɑːmhaʊs/ without a distinct /haʊs/. Correction: insert a clear /h/ onset for the second syllable and ensure the /aʊ/ diphthong is heard in /haʊs/.
US: strong rhotic /r/ in FARM-, with clear /ɑːr/ and a noticeable /haʊs/. UK: non-rhotic for some speakers, may sound like /ˈfɑːmˌhaʊs/ with a lighter /r/ or linking. AU: typically rhotic; /ˈfɑːmˌhaʊs/ with a broad vowel in /ɑː/ and crisp /haʊs/. The main distinction is rhoticity and how the /r/ is realized, plus vowel quality in the first syllable (rhotic /r/ presence varies by dialect).
Because it combines a strong rhotic onset in the first syllable with a sharp, high-diphthong in /haʊs/. The transition from /rm/ to /haʊs/ requires maintaining the /r/ or its absence, then articulating /h/ with a clear /aʊ/ glide. Speakers often mispronounce as /ˈfærmhaʊs/ or drop the /r/. Paying attention to the /ɑː/ vowel and the /haʊ/ diphthong helps resolve common slurring.
Farmhouse is a two-syllable compound noun with primary stress on the first syllable: FARM-house. The second syllable is lighter and quick, typical of compound nouns. To ensure clarity, maintain a short pause or a crisp release between /ˈfɑːrm/ and /haʊs/, especially in careful speech or public settings. In rapid conversation, the two syllables may merge slightly, but the primary stress remains on FARM.
🗣️ Voice search tip: These questions are optimized for voice search. Try asking your voice assistant any of these questions about "farmhouse"!
The term farmhouse combines farm, dating from Old English ferme, from Proto-Germanic *farmz, related to the concept of work or cultivation, with house, from Old English hus, which traces to Proto-Germanic *husą and ultimately Proto-Indo-European *ḱús- meaning dwelling. Historically, a farmhouse was the dwelling attached to or part of a working farm, designed to be functional for laborers and managers who tended livestock, fields, and equipment. In Early Modern English, farmhouses were simple, utilitarian structures built to withstand rural conditions. Over time, as agricultural practices modernized and rural life became romanticized, the word broadened to describe a country-style residence that emphasizes rustic materials like timber and stone, or a decorative aesthetic imitating rural architecture. The phrase first appears in English literature and property records in the 16th–17th centuries, but the usage likely predates written records, reflecting the well-established pairing of a farm and its homestead in agrarian life.
💡 Etymology tip: Understanding word origins can help you remember pronunciation patterns and recognize related words in the same language family.
Help others use "farmhouse" correctly by contributing grammar tips, common mistakes, and context guidance.
💡 These words have similar meanings to "farmhouse" and can often be used interchangeably.
🔄 These words have opposite meanings to "farmhouse" and show contrast in usage.
📚 Vocabulary tip: Learning synonyms and antonyms helps you understand nuanced differences in meaning and improves your word choice in speaking and writing.
Words that rhyme with "farmhouse"
-use sounds
Practice with these rhyming pairs to improve your pronunciation consistency:
🎵 Rhyme tip: Practicing with rhyming words helps you master similar sound patterns and improves your overall pronunciation accuracy.
