How to pronounce canter
Say it like KAN-ter. Canter has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KAN).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce canter. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- KAN
- ter
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Canter pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- KANSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
- terKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of canter
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: KAN-tuh.
What does canter mean?
- A gait of a horse between a trot and a gallop, consisting of three beats and a "suspension" phase, where there are no feet on the ground. Also describing this gait on other four-legged animals.
- A ride on a horse at such speed.
- One who cants or whines; a beggar.
- One who makes hypocritical pretensions to goodness; one who uses canting language.
- To move at such pace.
- To cause to move at a canter; to ride (a horse) at a canter.
Where does canter come from?
Short for Canterbury pace, from the supposed easy pace of medieval pilgrims to Canterbury.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with canter
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of canter.
Words that sound like canter
Questions about saying canter
How do you pronounce canter?
Say KAN-ter. The American pronunciation is /ˈkæntɚ/. In British English it is /ˈkæntə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in canter?
Canter has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KAN). Broken into parts: KAN · ter.
Is canter 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 /ˈkæntə/ (KAN-tuh).
What words sound the same as canter?
Canter sounds the same as cantor in American English. The spelling and meaning are what tell them apart.