How to pronounce enter
Say it like EN-ter. Enter has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (EN).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce enter. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- EN
- ter
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Enter pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- ENSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- terKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of enter
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: EN-tuh.
What does enter mean?
- to come or go into“the boat entered an area of shallow marshes”
- become a participant; be involved in“enter a race”“enter an agreement”
- register formally as a participant or member“The party recruited many new members”
Where does enter come from?
From Middle English entren, from Old French entrer, from Latin intrō (“enter”, verb), from intrā (“inside”).
Similar and opposite words
Opposite meaning
Words that rhyme with enter
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of enter.
Questions about saying enter
How do you pronounce enter?
Say EN-ter. The American pronunciation is /ˈɛntɚ/. In British English it is /ˈɛntə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in enter?
Enter has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (EN). Broken into parts: EN · ter.
Is enter 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 /ˈɛntə/ (EN-tuh).