How to pronounce poltergeist
Say it like POHL-ter-ghyst. Poltergeist has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (POHL).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce poltergeist. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- POHL
- ter
- ghyst
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Poltergeist pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- POHLSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "o" in go.
- terKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
- ghystGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "i" in time.
American vs British pronunciation of poltergeist
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: POL-tuh-ghyst.
What does poltergeist mean?
- An unseen ghost which makes noises and causes disruption, especially by causing physical objects to move or fly about.“A poltergeist haunts the house by moving objects around, making chain-rattling noises and throwing things.”
Where does poltergeist come from?
Unadapted borrowing from German Poltergeist, from poltern (“to rumble”) + Geist (“ghost”), cognates with English boulder and ghost, respectively.
Questions about saying poltergeist
How do you pronounce poltergeist?
Say POHL-ter-ghyst. The American pronunciation is /ˈpoʊltɚˌɡaɪst/. In British English it is /ˈpɒltəɡaɪst/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in poltergeist?
Poltergeist has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (POHL). Broken into parts: POHL · ter · ghyst.
Is poltergeist 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 /ˈpɒltəɡaɪst/ (POL-tuh-ghyst).