How to pronounce gangster
Say it like GANGS-ter. Gangster has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (GANGS).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce gangster. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- GANGS
- ter
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Gangster pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- GANGSSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
- terKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of gangster
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: GANGS-tuh.
What does gangster mean?
- a criminal who is a member of gang
Where does gangster come from?
From gang + -ster. First attested in 1884.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying gangster
How do you pronounce gangster?
Say GANGS-ter. The American pronunciation is /ˈɡæŋstɚ/. In British English it is /ˈɡæŋstə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in gangster?
Gangster has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (GANGS). Broken into parts: GANGS · ter.
Is gangster 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 /ˈɡæŋstə/ (GANGS-tuh).