How to pronounce rainwater
Say it like RAYN-waw-ter. Rainwater has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (RAYN).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce rainwater. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- RAYN
- waw
- ter
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Rainwater pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- RAYNSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
- wawGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "aw" in law.
- terKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of rainwater
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: RAYN-waw-tuh.
What does rainwater mean?
- Rainfall.
- Water (for a house, etc.) sourced from rain which has not joined a spring, stream or river, pond, lake or sea.
Where does rainwater come from?
From Middle English reinwater, from Old English reġnwæter, equivalent to rain + water.
Questions about saying rainwater
How do you pronounce rainwater?
Say RAYN-waw-ter. The American pronunciation is /ˈreɪnˌwɔtɚ/. In British English it is /ˈreɪnˌwɔːtə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in rainwater?
Rainwater has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (RAYN). Broken into parts: RAYN · waw · ter.
Is rainwater 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 /ˈreɪnˌwɔːtə/ (RAYN-waw-tuh).