How to pronounce astern
Say it like uh-STURN. Astern has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (STURN).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce astern. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- uh
- STURN
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Astern pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- STURNSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ur" in nurse.
American vs British pronunciation of astern
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: uh-STURN.
What does astern mean?
- Behind (a vessel); in the rear.
- In the direction of the stern; backward (motion); to the rear.
- Behind a vessel; having a bearing of 180 degrees from ahead.
- Behind (a vessel); in the rear.
Where does astern come from?
From a- (“towards”) + stern (“rear part of a vessel”).
Words that rhyme with astern
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of astern.
Questions about saying astern
How do you pronounce astern?
Say uh-STURN. The American pronunciation is /əˈstɝn/. In British English it is /əˈstɜːn/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in astern?
Astern has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (STURN). Broken into parts: uh · STURN.
Is astern 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 /əˈstɜːn/ (uh-STURN).