How to pronounce cater
Say it like KAY-ter. Cater has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KAY).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce cater. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- KAY
- ter
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Cater pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- KAYSay this part loudest and longest. 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 cater
- 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: KAY-tuh.
What does cater mean?
- give what is desired or needed, especially support, food or sustenance“The hostess provided lunch for all the guests”
- supply food ready to eat; for parties and banquets
Where does cater come from?
From Middle English catour (“acater, provisioner”), aphetic form of acatour (“acater”), from Old French acater (“to buy, to purchase”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with cater
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of cater.
Questions about saying cater
How do you pronounce cater?
Say KAY-ter. The American pronunciation is /ˈkeɪtɚ/. In British English it is /ˈkeɪtə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in cater?
Cater has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KAY). Broken into parts: KAY · ter.
Is cater 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 /ˈkeɪtə/ (KAY-tuh).