How to pronounce culvert
Say it like KUHL-vert. Culvert has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KUHL).
- KUHL
- vert
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Culvert pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- KUHLSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "u" in cup.
- vertKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of culvert
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: KUHL-vut.
What does culvert mean?
- A channel crossing under a road or railway for the draining of water.
- To channel (a stream of water) through a culvert.
Where does culvert come from?
* a derivation from an unrecorded Dutch word, possibly *coul-vaart, a combination of Dutch coul-, from French couler (“to flow”), and Dutch vaart (“a trip by boat, a canal”).
Questions about saying culvert
How do you pronounce culvert?
Say KUHL-vert. The American pronunciation is /ˈkʌlvɚt/. In British English it is /ˈkʌlvət/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in culvert?
Culvert has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KUHL). Broken into parts: KUHL · vert.
Is culvert 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 /ˈkʌlvət/ (KUHL-vut).