How to pronounce equator
Say it like ih-KWAY-ter. Equator has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (KWAY).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce equator. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- ih
- KWAY
- ter
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Equator pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- ihKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- KWAYSay 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 equator
- 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: ih-KWAY-tuh.
What does equator mean?
- An imaginary great circle around Earth, equidistant from the two poles, and dividing earth's surface into the northern and southern hemispheres.
- A similar great circle on any sphere, especially on a celestial body, or on another reasonably symmetrical three-dimensional body.
- The midline of any generally spherical object, such as a fruit or vegetable, that has identifiable poles.“Slice the onion through the equator.”
Where does equator come from?
From Late Latin (circulus) aequator (diei et noctis).
Words that rhyme with equator
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of equator.
Questions about saying equator
How do you pronounce equator?
Say ih-KWAY-ter. The American pronunciation is /ɪˈkweɪtɚ/. In British English it is /ɪˈkweɪtə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in equator?
Equator has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (KWAY). Broken into parts: ih · KWAY · ter.
Is equator 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 /ɪˈkweɪtə/ (ih-KWAY-tuh).