How to pronounce anchor
Say it like ANG-ker. Anchor has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (ANG).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce anchor. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- ANG
- ker
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Anchor pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- ANGSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
- kerKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of anchor
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: ANG-kuh.
What does anchor mean?
- a mechanical device that prevents a vessel from moving
- a central cohesive source of support and stability“faith is his anchor”“the keystone of campaign reform was the ban on soft money”
- a television reporter who coordinates a broadcast to which several correspondents contribute
- fix firmly and stably“anchor the lamppost in concrete”
- secure a vessel with an anchor“We anchored at Baltimore”
Words that rhyme with anchor
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of anchor.
Questions about saying anchor
How do you pronounce anchor?
Say ANG-ker. The American pronunciation is /ˈæŋkɚ/. In British English it is /ˈæŋkə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in anchor?
Anchor has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (ANG). Broken into parts: ANG · ker.
Is anchor 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 /ˈæŋkə/ (ANG-kuh).