How to pronounce error
Say it like ER-er. Error has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (ER).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce error. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- ER
- er
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Error pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- ERSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- erKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of error
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: ER-uh.
What does error mean?
- a wrong action attributable to bad judgment or ignorance or inattention“he made a bad mistake”“she was quick to point out my errors”
- inadvertent incorrectness
- a misconception resulting from incorrect information
Where does error come from?
From Middle English errour, from Anglo-Norman errour, borrowed from Old French error, from Latin error (“wandering about”, noun), derived from the verb errō (“to wander, to err”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with error
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of error.
Questions about saying error
How do you pronounce error?
Say ER-er. The American pronunciation is /ˈɛrɚ/. In British English it is /ˈɛrə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in error?
Error has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (ER). Broken into parts: ER · er.
Is error 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 /ˈɛrə/ (ER-uh).