How to pronounce mater
Say it like MAH-ter. Mater has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (MAH).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce mater. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- MAH
- ter
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Mater pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- MAHSay this part loudest and longest. 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 mater
- 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: MAY-tuh.
Other ways to say mater
Mater also has these pronunciations, usually with a different meaning or use:
- MAY-ter /ˈmeɪtɚ/
- MAT-er /ˈmætɚ/
What does mater mean?
- Mother.
- A meninx; the dura mater, arachnoid mater, or pia mater of the brain.
- Someone or something that mates.
- Alternative form of 'mater (“tomato”).
Where does mater come from?
From Latin māter (“mother”), partly via Late Middle English matere.
Words that rhyme with mater
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of mater.
Questions about saying mater
How do you pronounce mater?
Say MAH-ter. The American pronunciation is /ˈmɑtɚ/. In British English it is /ˈmeɪtə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in mater?
Mater has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (MAH). Broken into parts: MAH · ter.
Is mater 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 /ˈmeɪtə/ (MAY-tuh).