How to pronounce kilometer
Say it like KIL-uh-mee-ter. Kilometer has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KIL).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce kilometer. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- KIL
- uh
- mee
- ter
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Kilometer pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- KILSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- meeGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
- terKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of kilometer
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: KIL-uh-mee-tuh.
Other ways to say kilometer
Kilometer also has this pronunciation, usually with a different meaning or use:
- kuh-LAH-muh-ter /kəˈlɑmətɚ/
What does kilometer mean?
- US spelling of kilometre.
Where does kilometer come from?
From kilo- + meter.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with kilometer
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of kilometer.
Words that sound like kilometer
Questions about saying kilometer
How do you pronounce kilometer?
Say KIL-uh-mee-ter. The American pronunciation is /ˈkɪləˌmitɚ/. In British English it is /ˈkɪləˌmiːtə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in kilometer?
Kilometer has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KIL). Broken into parts: KIL · uh · mee · ter.
Is kilometer 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 /ˈkɪləˌmiːtə/ (KIL-uh-mee-tuh).
What words sound the same as kilometer?
Kilometer sounds the same as kilometre in American English. The spelling and meaning are what tell them apart.