How to pronounce hamster
Say it like HAM-ster. Hamster has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (HAM).
VoiceSpeed
US American/ˈhæmstɚ/HAM-ster
UK British/ˈhæmstə/HAM-stuh
- HAM
- ster
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Hamster pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- HAMSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
- sterKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of hamster
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: HAM-stuh.
What does hamster mean?
noun
- Any of various Old World rodent species belonging to the subfamily Cricetinae.“The hamster stuffed his puffy cheeks with food.”
- In particular, a rodent of the species Mesocricetus auratus (the golden hamster) or of a species of the genera Cricetiscus and Phodopus (the dwarf hamsters), often kept as a pet or used in scientific research.
- Any of various other rodents of similar appearance, such as the maned hamster or crested hamster, Lophiomys imhausi, mouse-like hamsters of genus Calomyscus, and the white-tailed rat (Mystromys albicaudatus).
- To secrete or store privately, as a hamster does with food in its cheek pouches.
Where does hamster come from?
Borrowed from German Hamster (see for etymology).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying hamster
How do you pronounce hamster?
Say HAM-ster. The American pronunciation is /ˈhæmstɚ/. In British English it is /ˈhæmstə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in hamster?
Hamster has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (HAM). Broken into parts: HAM · ster.
Is hamster 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 /ˈhæmstə/ (HAM-stuh).