How to pronounce bowsprit
Say it like BOH-sprit. Bowsprit has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (BOH).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce bowsprit. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- BOH
- sprit
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Bowsprit pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- BOHSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "o" in go.
- spritKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of bowsprit
- The long o starts further forward in British English, closer to "uh-oo" than the American "oh".
British respelling: BOH-sprit.
What does bowsprit mean?
- A spar projecting over the prow of a sailing vessel to provide the means of adding sail surface.
Where does bowsprit come from?
First attested in late 13th century.
Questions about saying bowsprit
How do you pronounce bowsprit?
Say BOH-sprit. The American pronunciation is /ˈboʊsprɪt/. In British English it is /ˈbəʊsprɪt/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in bowsprit?
Bowsprit has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (BOH). Broken into parts: BOH · sprit.
Is bowsprit pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. The long o starts further forward in British English, closer to "uh-oo" than the American "oh". The British form is /ˈbəʊsprɪt/ (BOH-sprit).