How to pronounce orchestra
Say it like OR-kuh-struh. Orchestra has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (OR).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce orchestra. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- OR
- kuh
- struh
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Orchestra pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- ORSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "aw" in law.
- kuhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- struhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of orchestra
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: AW-kih-struh.
What does orchestra mean?
- a musical organization consisting of a group of instrumentalists including string players
- seating on the main floor in a theater
Questions about saying orchestra
How do you pronounce orchestra?
Say OR-kuh-struh. The American pronunciation is /ˈɔrkəstrə/. In British English it is /ˈɔːkɪstrə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in orchestra?
Orchestra has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (OR). Broken into parts: OR · kuh · struh.
Is orchestra 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 /ˈɔːkɪstrə/ (AW-kih-struh).