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How to pronounce gator

Say it like GAY-ter. Gator has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (GAY).

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Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce gator. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.

US American/ˈɡeɪtɚ/GAY-ter
UK British/ˈɡeɪtə/GAY-tuh
  • GAY
  • ter
  • Main stress
  • Lighter stress
  • Unstressed

Gator pronunciation, sound by sound

Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.

  1. GAYSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
  2. terKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.

American vs British pronunciation of gator

  • 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: GAY-tuh.

What does gator mean?

noun
  1. Alligator.
  2. A portion of a tire, such as one seen on the side of a highway.
  3. A large bluefish (Pomatomus saltatrix).

Where does gator come from?

Clipping of alligator.

Similar and opposite words

Similar meaning

Words that rhyme with gator

Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of gator.

Questions about saying gator

How do you pronounce gator?

Say GAY-ter. The American pronunciation is /ˈɡeɪtɚ/. In British English it is /ˈɡeɪtə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.

How many syllables are in gator?

Gator has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (GAY). Broken into parts: GAY · ter.

Is gator 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 /ˈɡeɪtə/ (GAY-tuh).

Pronunciation from CMUdict; meaning and origin adapted from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0).