How to pronounce hovercraft
Say it like HUHV-er-kraft. Hovercraft has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (HUHV).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce hovercraft. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- HUHV
- er
- kraft
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Hovercraft pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- HUHVSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "u" in cup.
- erKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
- kraftKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
American vs British pronunciation of hovercraft
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
- British speakers use the long "ah" vowel of father where Americans use the "a" of cat.
British respelling: HOV-uh-krahft.
What does hovercraft mean?
- A vehicle supported on a cushion of air, able to traverse many different types of terrain and travel over water, used for transport.
Where does hovercraft come from?
From hover + -craft. Originally a trademark by Saunders-Roe Limited, a British aero- and marine-engineering company.
Questions about saying hovercraft
How do you pronounce hovercraft?
Say HUHV-er-kraft. The American pronunciation is /ˈhʌvɚkræft/. In British English it is /ˈhɒvəˌkrɑːft/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in hovercraft?
Hovercraft has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (HUHV). Broken into parts: HUHV · er · kraft.
Is hovercraft 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 /ˈhɒvəˌkrɑːft/ (HOV-uh-krahft).