How to pronounce cistern
Say it like SIS-tern. Cistern has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SIS).
VoiceSpeed
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce cistern. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
US American/ˈsɪstɚn/SIS-tern
UK British/ˈsɪstən/SIS-tun
- SIS
- tern
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Cistern pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- SISSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- ternKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of cistern
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: SIS-tun.
What does cistern mean?
noun
- A reservoir or tank for holding water, especially for catching and holding rainwater for later use.
- In a flush toilet, the container in which the water used for flushing is held; a toilet tank.
- A shallow, typically oval, vessel made of porcelain, pottery, or glass.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying cistern
How do you pronounce cistern?
Say SIS-tern. The American pronunciation is /ˈsɪstɚn/. In British English it is /ˈsɪstən/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in cistern?
Cistern has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SIS). Broken into parts: SIS · tern.
Is cistern 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 /ˈsɪstən/ (SIS-tun).