What is the correct way to pronounce bury?

Question

I'm looking for the correct pronunciation of the word bury. I've heard it said berry, and I've heard it said in a way that rhymes with flurry. Webster says it's pronounced "berry," but I've heard that Webster took some liberties with the English language, and to look at the origin of the word you would think that it would rhyme with flurry.
So I'm trying to find out what the Oxford English dictionary says about it. Please don't tell me how you've always heard it, or what the Oxford American dictionary says, I'm only interested in finding out what the Oxford English pronunciation is, since I'm sure that is the most reliable. Thanks!

Answer 1

bury, pronounced ber-ee per Oxford American Dictionary. I know exactly where you are coming from. The surrounding towns in our area have bury in their name, and they are pronounced by locals as berry instead of bur-ee, for example, Woodbury, I would pronounce Wood - bur-ee, but is pronouced Wood-ber-ee.

Answer 2

Bury Berry

Answer 3

In my Oxford English it says 'ber'i or bur' i, pronounced berry or burry, so you can use both. I live not far from the town of Bury in England and used to work there. Most people there pronounce it 'Berry'.

Answer 4

Does the OED really take into account regional variations in pronunciaiton? In my experience, most English people pronounce it berry, but most Scottish people say buh-ree.

Answer 5

Both are acceptable, but leaning toward 'berry'. That's what we use, as Canadians who use British English and the OED is our bible.

Answer 6

Many people round Manchester call it berry, but the local will tell you it rhymes with flurry

Answer 7

I`ve always pronounced it berry. http://www.howjsay.com

Answer 8

Here's their web address.

Answer 9

"Berry" is more than acceptable. I've never heard it otherwise, to be honest.