How to pronounce catapult
Say it like KAT-uh-puhlt. Catapult has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KAT).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce catapult. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- KAT
- uh
- puhlt
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Catapult pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- KATSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- puhltGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "u" in cup.
American vs British pronunciation of catapult
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: KAT-uh-puhlt.
What does catapult mean?
- To fire a missile from a catapult.
- To fire or launch something, as if from a catapult.
- To increase the status of something rapidly.“The candidate selection for running mate has catapulted her to the national scene.”
- A device or weapon for throwing or launching large objects.
- A mechanical aid on aircraft carriers designed to help airplanes take off from the flight deck.
- A slingshot.
Questions about saying catapult
How do you pronounce catapult?
Say KAT-uh-puhlt. The American pronunciation is /ˈkætəˌpʌlt/. In British English it is /ˈkætəˌpʌlt/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in catapult?
Catapult has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KAT). Broken into parts: KAT · uh · puhlt.
Is catapult pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t. The British form is /ˈkætəˌpʌlt/ (KAT-uh-puhlt).