How to pronounce jackhammer
Say it like JAK-ham-er. Jackhammer has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (JAK).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce jackhammer. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- JAK
- ham
- er
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Jackhammer pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- JAKSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
- hamGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
- erKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of jackhammer
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: JAK-ham-uh.
What does jackhammer mean?
- A portable percussive power tool that combines a hammer and chisel used to drill or break hard matter, for instance rock or concrete.
- Something that is very strong but also very rigid.
- To use a jackhammer.
- To break (something) using a jackhammer.
- To form (something) using a jackhammer.
Where does jackhammer come from?
From jack + hammer.
Questions about saying jackhammer
How do you pronounce jackhammer?
Say JAK-ham-er. The American pronunciation is /ˈdʒækˌhæmɚ/. In British English it is /ˈdʒækˌhæmə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in jackhammer?
Jackhammer has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (JAK). Broken into parts: JAK · ham · er.
Is jackhammer 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 /ˈdʒækˌhæmə/ (JAK-ham-uh).