How to pronounce filibuster
Say it like FIL-uh-buh-ster. Filibuster has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (FIL).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce filibuster. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- FIL
- uh
- buh
- ster
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Filibuster pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- FILSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- buhGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- sterKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of filibuster
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: FIL-ih-buh-stuh.
What does filibuster mean?
- A tactic (such as giving long, often irrelevant speeches) employed to delay the proceedings of, or the making of a decision by, a legislative body, particularly the United States Senate.
- A member of a legislative body causing such an obstruction.
- To take part in a private military action in a foreign country.
- To use obstructionist tactics in a legislative body.
Where does filibuster come from?
Borrowed from Spanish filibustero (“pirate”), from French flibustier, ultimately from Dutch vrijbuiter (“freebooter”), from vrij (“free”) + buit (“booty”) + -er (“agent”).
Questions about saying filibuster
How do you pronounce filibuster?
Say FIL-uh-buh-ster. The American pronunciation is /ˈfɪləˌbəstər/. In British English it is /ˈfɪlɪbʌstə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in filibuster?
Filibuster has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (FIL). Broken into parts: FIL · uh · buh · ster.
Is filibuster 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 /ˈfɪlɪbʌstə/ (FIL-ih-buh-stuh).