How to pronounce cathead
Say it like KAT-hed. Cathead has two 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 cathead. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- KAT
- hed
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Cathead 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.
- hedGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
American vs British pronunciation of cathead
American and British speakers say cathead in essentially the same way: /ˈkætˌhɛd/ in the US and /ˈkæthɛd/ in the UK.
British respelling: KAT-hed.
What does cathead mean?
- A heavy piece of timber projecting somewhat horizontally from each side of the bow of a ship on which an anchor is raised or lowered, and secured when not used, from its stock end.
- A decorative element at the end of such a timber that often depicts a cat's head.
- A (small) capstan (“vertical cylindrical machine that revolves on a spindle, used to apply force to cables, ropes, etc.”) or windlass (“type of winch”) forming part of hoisting machinery.
- Synonym of cat (“to hoist (an anchor) so that it hangs at the cathead (noun sense 1.1)”)
Where does cathead come from?
The verb is derived from the noun.
Words that rhyme with cathead
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of cathead.
Questions about saying cathead
How do you pronounce cathead?
Say KAT-hed. The American pronunciation is /ˈkætˌhɛd/. In British English it is /ˈkæthɛd/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in cathead?
Cathead has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KAT). Broken into parts: KAT · hed.
Do Americans and Brits say cathead the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈkætˌhɛd/ and the British form is /ˈkæthɛd/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.