How to pronounce helicopter
Say it like HEL-ih-kop-ter. Helicopter has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (HEL).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce helicopter. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- HEL
- ih
- kop
- ter
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Helicopter pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- HELSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- ihKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- kopGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- terKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of helicopter
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
British respelling: HEL-ih-kop-tuh.
What does helicopter mean?
- an aircraft without wings that obtains its lift from the rotation of overhead blades
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying helicopter
How do you pronounce helicopter?
Say HEL-ih-kop-ter. The American pronunciation is /ˈhɛlɪˌkɑptɚ/. In British English it is /ˈhɛlɪˌkɒptə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in helicopter?
Helicopter has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (HEL). Broken into parts: HEL · ih · kop · ter.
Is helicopter 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 /ˈhɛlɪˌkɒptə/ (HEL-ih-kop-tuh).