How to pronounce jaywalker
Say it like JAY-waw-ker. Jaywalker has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (JAY).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce jaywalker. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- JAY
- waw
- ker
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Jaywalker pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- JAYSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
- wawKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "aw" in law.
- kerKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of jaywalker
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: JAY-waw-kuh.
What does jaywalker mean?
- A person who violates pedestrian traffic regulations by crossing a street away from a designated crossing or who walks on the part of the street intended for vehicles instead of the part designated for pedestrians.
Where does jaywalker come from?
From jay (“a stupid person”) + walker; jay walker (“a pedestrian who doesn't pay attention to the road, endangering themselves and obstructing horses, carts, and automobiles”).
Questions about saying jaywalker
How do you pronounce jaywalker?
Say JAY-waw-ker. The American pronunciation is /ˈdʒeɪwɔkɚ/. In British English it is /ˈdʒeɪwɔːkə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in jaywalker?
Jaywalker has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (JAY). Broken into parts: JAY · waw · ker.
Is jaywalker 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 /ˈdʒeɪwɔːkə/ (JAY-waw-kuh).