How to pronounce quaver
Say it like KWAY-ver. Quaver has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KWAY).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce quaver. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- KWAY
- ver
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Quaver pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- KWAYSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
- verKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of quaver
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: KWAY-vuh.
What does quaver mean?
- A trembling shake.
- A trembling of the voice, as in speaking or singing.
- an eighth note, drawn as a crotchet (quarter note) with a tail.
- To shake in a trembling manner.
- To use the voice in a trembling manner, as in speaking or singing.
- To utter quaveringly.
Where does quaver come from?
From Middle English quaveren, frequentative form of quaven, cwavien (“to tremble”), equivalent to quave + -er.
Words that rhyme with quaver
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of quaver.
Questions about saying quaver
How do you pronounce quaver?
Say KWAY-ver. The American pronunciation is /ˈkweɪvɚ/. In British English it is /ˈkweɪvə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in quaver?
Quaver has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KWAY). Broken into parts: KWAY · ver.
Is quaver 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 /ˈkweɪvə/ (KWAY-vuh).