How to pronounce barter
Say it like BAR-ter. Barter has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (BAR).
VoiceSpeed
US American/ˈbɑrtɚ/BAR-ter
UK British/ˈbɑːtə/BAH-tuh
- BAR
- ter
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Barter pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- BARSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- terKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of barter
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: BAH-tuh.
What does barter mean?
noun
- An exchange of goods or services without the use of money.“We had no money so we had to live by barter.”
- The goods or services used in such an exchange.“The man used his watch as barter to pay for his tab.”
- To exchange goods or services without involving money.“She bartered a bonsai for one of the rare books in my library.”
Where does barter come from?
Late Middle English, from Old French barater.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with barter
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of barter.
Questions about saying barter
How do you pronounce barter?
Say BAR-ter. The American pronunciation is /ˈbɑrtɚ/. In British English it is /ˈbɑːtə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in barter?
Barter has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (BAR). Broken into parts: BAR · ter.
Is barter 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 /ˈbɑːtə/ (BAH-tuh).