How to pronounce paper
Say it like PAY-per. Paper has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (PAY).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce paper. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- PAY
- per
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Paper pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- PAYSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
- perKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of paper
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: PAY-puh.
What does paper mean?
- a material made of cellulose pulp derived mainly from wood or rags or certain grasses
- an essay (especially one written as an assignment)“he got an A on his composition”
- a daily or weekly publication on folded sheets; contains news and articles and advertisements“he read his newspaper at breakfast”
- cover with paper“paper the box”
- cover with wallpaper
Words that rhyme with paper
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of paper.
Questions about saying paper
How do you pronounce paper?
Say PAY-per. The American pronunciation is /ˈpeɪpɚ/. In British English it is /ˈpeɪpə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in paper?
Paper has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (PAY). Broken into parts: PAY · per.
Is paper 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 /ˈpeɪpə/ (PAY-puh).