How to pronounce headwind
Say it like HED-wind. Headwind has two 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 headwind. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- HED
- wind
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Headwind 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.
- windGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of headwind
American and British speakers say headwind in essentially the same way: /ˈhɛˌdwɪnd/ in the US and /ˈhɛˌdwɪnd/ in the UK.
British respelling: HED-wind.
What does headwind mean?
- A wind that blows directly against the course of a vehicle, like an aircraft, train, or ship.
- A strong force that impedes or reverses progress.
- To blow directly against the course of a vehicle, like an aircraft, train, or ship.
- To impede or reverse progress.
Where does headwind come from?
From Middle English *hedwind, from Old English hēafodwind, equivalent to head + wind.
Questions about saying headwind
How do you pronounce headwind?
Say HED-wind. The American pronunciation is /ˈhɛˌdwɪnd/. In British English it is /ˈhɛˌdwɪnd/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in headwind?
Headwind has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (HED). Broken into parts: HED · wind.
Do Americans and Brits say headwind the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈhɛˌdwɪnd/ and the British form is /ˈhɛˌdwɪnd/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.