How to pronounce earthquake
Say it like URTH-kwayk. Earthquake has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (URTH).
VoiceSpeed
US American/ˈɝθˌkweɪk/URTH-kwayk
UK British/ˈɜːθˌkweɪk/URTH-kwayk
- URTH
- kwayk
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Earthquake pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- URTHSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ur" in nurse.
- kwaykGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
American vs British pronunciation of earthquake
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: URTH-kwayk.
What does earthquake mean?
noun
- A shaking of the ground, caused by volcanic activity or movement around geologic faults.
- Such a quake specifically occurring on the planet Earth, as opposed to other celestial bodies.
- A sudden and intense upheaval; a severely disruptive event.
- To undergo an earthquake.
Where does earthquake come from?
From Middle English erthequake, corresponding to earth + quake.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying earthquake
How do you pronounce earthquake?
Say URTH-kwayk. The American pronunciation is /ˈɝθˌkweɪk/. In British English it is /ˈɜːθˌkweɪk/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in earthquake?
Earthquake has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (URTH). Broken into parts: URTH · kwayk.
Is earthquake 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 /ˈɜːθˌkweɪk/ (URTH-kwayk).