How to pronounce asterisk
Say it like AS-tuh-risk. Asterisk has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (AS).
- AS
- tuh
- risk
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Tip: Ends with 'risk': 'ASS-ter-isk'. Avoid 'asterix'.
Asterisk pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- ASSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
- tuhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- riskKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of asterisk
American and British speakers say asterisk in essentially the same way: /ˈæstərɪsk/ in the US and /ˈæstərɪsk/ in the UK.
British respelling: AS-tuh-risk.
What does asterisk mean?
- A small star; also (by extension), something resembling or shaped like a star.
- The star-shaped symbol *, which is used in printing and writing for various purposes, including to refer a reader to a note at the bottom of a page or in a margin, and to indicate the omission of letters or words; a star.
- Something resembling or shaped like an asterisk symbol.
- To mark or replace (text, etc.) with an asterisk symbol (*; noun sense 1.1); to star.
Where does asterisk come from?
The verb is derived from the noun.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying asterisk
How do you pronounce asterisk?
Say AS-tuh-risk. The American pronunciation is /ˈæstərɪsk/. In British English it is /ˈæstərɪsk/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in asterisk?
Asterisk has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (AS). Broken into parts: AS · tuh · risk.
Do Americans and Brits say asterisk the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈæstərɪsk/ and the British form is /ˈæstərɪsk/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.