How to pronounce breakwater
Say it like BRAYK-waw-ter. Breakwater has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (BRAYK).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce breakwater. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- BRAYK
- waw
- ter
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Breakwater pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- BRAYKSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
- wawGive this part a little weight. 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 breakwater
- 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: BRAYK-waw-tuh.
What does breakwater mean?
- A construction in or around a harbor designed to break the force of the sea and to provide shelter for vessels lying inside.
- A low bulkhead across the forecastle deck of a ship which diverts water breaking over the bows into the scuppers.
- A wooden or concrete barrier, usually perpendicular to the shore, intended to prevent the movement of sand along a coast.
Where does breakwater come from?
From break + water. Compare Dutch breekwater (“breakwater”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying breakwater
How do you pronounce breakwater?
Say BRAYK-waw-ter. The American pronunciation is /ˈbreɪkˌwɔtɚ/. In British English it is /ˈbreɪkˌwɔːtə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in breakwater?
Breakwater has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (BRAYK). Broken into parts: BRAYK · waw · ter.
Is breakwater 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 /ˈbreɪkˌwɔːtə/ (BRAYK-waw-tuh).