How to pronounce countertop
Say it like KOWN-ter-top. Countertop has three 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 countertop. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- KOWN
- ter
- top
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Countertop 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.
- topGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
American vs British pronunciation of countertop
- 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: KOWN-tuh-top.
What does countertop mean?
- The top surface of a counter, for preparation of food, etc.
Where does countertop come from?
From counter + top.
Questions about saying countertop
How do you pronounce countertop?
Say KOWN-ter-top. The American pronunciation is /ˈkaʊntɚˌtɑp/. In British English it is /ˈkaʊntəˌtɒp/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in countertop?
Countertop has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KOWN). Broken into parts: KOWN · ter · top.
Is countertop 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 /ˈkaʊntəˌtɒp/ (KOWN-tuh-top).