How to pronounce headwater
Say it like HED-waw-ter. Headwater has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (HED).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce headwater. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- HED
- waw
- ter
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Headwater pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- HEDSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- wawGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "aw" in law.
- terKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of headwater
- 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: HED-waw-tuh.
What does headwater mean?
- The source (and the initial part) of a stream.
Where does headwater come from?
From head + water.
Questions about saying headwater
How do you pronounce headwater?
Say HED-waw-ter. The American pronunciation is /ˈhɛˌdwɔtɚ/. In British English it is /ˈhɛˌdwɔːtə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in headwater?
Headwater has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (HED). Broken into parts: HED · waw · ter.
Is headwater 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 /ˈhɛˌdwɔːtə/ (HED-waw-tuh).