How to pronounce counter
Say it like KOWN-ter. Counter has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KOWN).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce counter. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- KOWN
- ter
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Counter pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- KOWNSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ow" in now.
- terKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of counter
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: KOWN-tuh.
What does counter mean?
- table consisting of a horizontal surface over which business is transacted
- game equipment (as a piece of wood, plastic, or ivory) used for keeping a count or reserving a space in various card or board games
- a calculator that keeps a record of the number of times something happens
- speak in response“He countered with some very persuasive arguments”
- act in advance of; deal with ahead of time
- indicating opposition or resistance
Where does counter come from?
Inherited from Middle English countour, from Old French conteor (French comptoir), from Medieval Latin computātōrium, from Latin computō, equivalent to count + -er.
Questions about saying counter
How do you pronounce counter?
Say KOWN-ter. The American pronunciation is /ˈkaʊntɚ/. In British English it is /ˈkaʊntə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in counter?
Counter has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KOWN). Broken into parts: KOWN · ter.
Is counter 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 /ˈkaʊntə/ (KOWN-tuh).