How to pronounce postern
Say it like POH-stern. Postern has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (POH).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce postern. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- POH
- stern
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Postern pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- POHSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "o" in go.
- sternKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of postern
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: POS-tun.
What does postern mean?
- A back door or gate, side entrance, or other entrance distinct from the main one, especially one that is private or not obvious.
- A hidden or secret exit or tunnel of a fortification such as a castle, city wall, or fort.
- Any way in or out of a place, especially a hidden one; an entrance or exit.
Where does postern come from?
The adjective is from an attributive use of the noun.
Questions about saying postern
How do you pronounce postern?
Say POH-stern. The American pronunciation is /ˈpoʊstərn/. In British English it is /ˈpɒstən/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in postern?
Postern has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (POH). Broken into parts: POH · stern.
Is postern 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 /ˈpɒstən/ (POS-tun).