How to pronounce fester
Say it like FES-ter. Fester has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (FES).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce fester. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- FES
- ter
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Fester pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- FESSay 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 fester
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: FES-tuh.
What does fester mean?
- A sore or an ulcer of the skin.
- The condition of something that festers; a festering; a festerment.
- To become septic; to become rotten.
- To worsen, especially due to lack of attention.“Deal with the problem immediately; do not let it fester.”
- To cause to fester or rankle.
Where does fester come from?
Inherited from Middle English festre, festur, borrowed from Old French festre (cognate with Italian fistola, Occitan fistola, Spanish fístula), from Latin fistula.
Words that rhyme with fester
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of fester.
Questions about saying fester
How do you pronounce fester?
Say FES-ter. The American pronunciation is /ˈfɛstɚ/. In British English it is /ˈfɛstə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in fester?
Fester has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (FES). Broken into parts: FES · ter.
Is fester 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 /ˈfɛstə/ (FES-tuh).