How to pronounce altar
Say it like AWL-ter. Altar has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (AWL).
- AWL
- ter
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Altar pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- AWLSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "aw" in law.
- terKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of altar
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: AWL-tuh.
What does altar mean?
- A table or similar flat-topped structure used for religious rites.
- A raised area around an altar in a church; the sanctuary.
- Any (real or notional) place where something is worshipped or sacrificed to.
Where does altar come from?
Inherited from Middle English auter, inherited from Old English altar and borrowed from Old French auter, both derived from Latin altāre, probably related to adolere (“burn”); thus "burning place", influenced by altus (“high”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
- communion table
- lord's table
Words that rhyme with altar
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of altar.
Words that sound like altar
Questions about saying altar
How do you pronounce altar?
Say AWL-ter. The American pronunciation is /ˈɔltɚ/. In British English it is /ˈɔːltə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in altar?
Altar has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (AWL). Broken into parts: AWL · ter.
Is altar 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 /ˈɔːltə/ (AWL-tuh).
What words sound the same as altar?
Altar sounds the same as alter in American English. The spelling and meaning are what tell them apart.