How to pronounce pointer
Say it like POYN-ter. Pointer has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (POYN).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce pointer. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- POYN
- ter
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Pointer pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- POYNSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "oy" in boy.
- terKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of pointer
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: POYN-tuh.
What does pointer mean?
- a mark to indicate a direction or relation
- an indicator as on a dial
- (computer science) indicator consisting of a movable spot of light (an icon) on a visual display; moving it allows the user to point to commands or screen positions
Where does pointer come from?
From point + -er (agent noun suffix) or + -er (measurement suffix) (sense 4).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying pointer
How do you pronounce pointer?
Say POYN-ter. The American pronunciation is /ˈpɔɪntɚ/. In British English it is /ˈpɔɪntə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in pointer?
Pointer has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (POYN). Broken into parts: POYN · ter.
Is pointer 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 /ˈpɔɪntə/ (POYN-tuh).