How to pronounce otter
Say it like OT-er. Otter has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (OT).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce otter. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- OT
- er
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Otter pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- OTSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- erKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of otter
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: OT-uh.
What does otter mean?
- An aquatic or marine carnivorous mammal in the subfamily Lutrinae.
- The flesh or fur of this animal
- A hairy man with a slender physique, in contrast with a bear, who is more thickset.
Words that rhyme with otter
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of otter.
Questions about saying otter
How do you pronounce otter?
Say OT-er. The American pronunciation is /ˈɑtɚ/. In British English it is /ˈɒtə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in otter?
Otter has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (OT). Broken into parts: OT · er.
Is otter 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 /ˈɒtə/ (OT-uh).