How to pronounce bilgewater
Say it like BILJ-waw-ter. Bilgewater has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (BILJ).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce bilgewater. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- BILJ
- waw
- ter
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Bilgewater pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- BILJSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- wawKeep this part quick and light. 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 bilgewater
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: BILJ-waw-tuh.
What does bilgewater mean?
- Water which collects in the bilges of a ship.
- Stupid talk or writing; nonsense.
Where does bilgewater come from?
From bilge + water.
Questions about saying bilgewater
How do you pronounce bilgewater?
Say BILJ-waw-ter. The American pronunciation is /ˈbɪldʒwɔtɚ/. In British English it is /ˈbɪldʒwɔːtə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in bilgewater?
Bilgewater has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (BILJ). Broken into parts: BILJ · waw · ter.
Is bilgewater 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 /ˈbɪldʒwɔːtə/ (BILJ-waw-tuh).