How to pronounce calculator
Say it like KAL-kyuh-lay-ter. Calculator has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KAL).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce calculator. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- KAL
- kyuh
- lay
- ter
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Calculator pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- KALSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
- kyuhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- layGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
- terKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of calculator
- 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: KAL-kyuu-lay-tuh.
What does calculator mean?
- an expert at calculation (or at operating calculating machines)
- a small machine that is used for mathematical calculations; can be mechanical or electronic
Where does calculator come from?
In the sense of a person, from Middle English calkelatour (“a mathematician, an astrologer”), borrowed from Latin calculātor, equivalent to calculate + -or.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying calculator
How do you pronounce calculator?
Say KAL-kyuh-lay-ter. The American pronunciation is /ˈkælkjəˌleɪtɚ/. In British English it is /ˈkælkjʊˌleɪtə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in calculator?
Calculator has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KAL). Broken into parts: KAL · kyuh · lay · ter.
Is calculator 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 /ˈkælkjʊˌleɪtə/ (KAL-kyuu-lay-tuh).