How to pronounce Colchester
Say it like KAWL-cheh-ster. Colchester has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KAWL).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce Colchester. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- KAWL
- cheh
- ster
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Colchester pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- KAWLSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "aw" in law.
- chehKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- sterKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of Colchester
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: KOHL-chih-stuh.
What does Colchester mean?
- A town in the Eastern Cape province, South Africa.
Where does Colchester come from?
From Old English Colneċeaster, equivalent to Colne (a Celtic-named river) + Old English ceaster (“a Roman town”).
Questions about saying Colchester
How do you pronounce Colchester?
Say KAWL-cheh-ster. The American pronunciation is /ˈkɔltʃɛstɚ/. In British English it is /ˈkəʊltʃɪstə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in Colchester?
Colchester has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KAWL). Broken into parts: KAWL · cheh · ster.
Is Colchester 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 /ˈkəʊltʃɪstə/ (KOHL-chih-stuh).