How to pronounce copper
Say it like KOP-er. Copper has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KOP).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce copper. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- KOP
- er
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Copper pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- KOPSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- erKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of copper
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
British respelling: KOP-uh.
What does copper mean?
- a ductile malleable reddish-brown corrosion-resistant diamagnetic metallic element; occurs in various minerals but is the only metal that occurs abundantly in large masses; used as an electrical and thermal conductor
- a copper penny
- uncomplimentary terms for a policeman
- coat with a layer of copper
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
- cu
Words that rhyme with copper
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of copper.
Questions about saying copper
How do you pronounce copper?
Say KOP-er. The American pronunciation is /ˈkɑpɚ/. In British English it is /ˈkɒpə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in copper?
Copper has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KOP). Broken into parts: KOP · er.
Is copper 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 /ˈkɒpə/ (KOP-uh).