How to pronounce capstan
Say it like KAP-stun. Capstan has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KAP).
- KAP
- stun
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Capstan pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- KAPSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
- stunKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of capstan
American and British speakers say capstan in essentially the same way: /ˈkæpstən/ in the US and /ˈkæpstən/ in the UK.
British respelling: KAP-stun.
What does capstan mean?
- A vertical cylindrical machine that revolves on a spindle, typically surmounted by a drumhead with sockets for levers for turning it; used to apply force to cables, ropes, etc.“to pawl the capstan”
- A rotating spindle used to move recording tape through the mechanism of a tape recorder.
- a screw on the rising side of a piano key, which serves the function of lifting the wippen when the key is depressed
Where does capstan come from?
Borrowed into Middle English from either Old French cabestan, from Old Occitan cabestan, from cabestre (“pulley cord”) or from Spanish cabestran, both of which derive from Latin capistrum (“halter”), from capiō (“take hold of”).
Questions about saying capstan
How do you pronounce capstan?
Say KAP-stun. The American pronunciation is /ˈkæpstən/. In British English it is /ˈkæpstən/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in capstan?
Capstan has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KAP). Broken into parts: KAP · stun.
Do Americans and Brits say capstan the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈkæpstən/ and the British form is /ˈkæpstən/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.