How to pronounce Decatur
Say it like dih-KAY-ter. Decatur has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (KAY).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce Decatur. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- dih
- KAY
- ter
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Decatur pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- dihKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- KAYSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
- terKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of Decatur
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: dih-KAY-tuh.
What does Decatur mean?
- United States naval officer remembered for his heroic deeds (1779-1820)
- a city in central Illinois; Abraham Lincoln practiced law here
- a town in northern Alabama on the Tennessee River
Words that rhyme with Decatur
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of Decatur.
Questions about saying Decatur
How do you pronounce Decatur?
Say dih-KAY-ter. The American pronunciation is /dɪˈkeɪtɚ/. In British English it is /dɪˈkeɪtə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in Decatur?
Decatur has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (KAY). Broken into parts: dih · KAY · ter.
Is Decatur 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 /dɪˈkeɪtə/ (dih-KAY-tuh).