How to pronounce quarterback
Say it like KWOR-ter-bak. Quarterback has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KWOR).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce quarterback. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- KWOR
- ter
- bak
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Quarterback pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- KWORSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "aw" in law.
- terKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
- bakGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
American vs British pronunciation of quarterback
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: KWAW-tuh-bak.
What does quarterback mean?
- (football) the person who plays quarterback
- play the quarterback
Where does quarterback come from?
From quarter + back, in reference to the position in front of the halfback position.
Questions about saying quarterback
How do you pronounce quarterback?
Say KWOR-ter-bak. The American pronunciation is /ˈkwɔrtɚˌbæk/. In British English it is /ˈkwɔːtəˌbæk/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in quarterback?
Quarterback has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KWOR). Broken into parts: KWOR · ter · bak.
Is quarterback 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 /ˈkwɔːtəˌbæk/ (KWAW-tuh-bak).