How to pronounce aircraft
Say it like AIR-kraft. Aircraft has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (AIR).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce aircraft. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- AIR
- kraft
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Aircraft pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- AIRSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- kraftGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
American vs British pronunciation of aircraft
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
- British speakers use the long "ah" vowel of father where Americans use the "a" of cat.
British respelling: AIR-krahft.
What does aircraft mean?
- a vehicle that can fly
Where does aircraft come from?
From air + -craft.
Questions about saying aircraft
How do you pronounce aircraft?
Say AIR-kraft. The American pronunciation is /ˈɛrˌkræft/. In British English it is /ˈɛəˌkrɑːft/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in aircraft?
Aircraft has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (AIR). Broken into parts: AIR · kraft.
Is aircraft pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /ˈɛəˌkrɑːft/ (AIR-krahft).