How to pronounce recorder
Say it like rih-KOR-der. Recorder has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (KOR).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce recorder. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- rih
- KOR
- der
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Recorder pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- rihKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- KORSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "aw" in law.
- derKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of recorder
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: rih-KAW-duh.
What does recorder mean?
- equipment for making records
- someone responsible for keeping records
- a barrister or solicitor who serves as part-time judge in towns or boroughs
Where does recorder come from?
From Middle English recordour, borrowed from Old French recordour, from Old French recordeor, from Medieval Latin recordātor, from Latin recordor (“call to mind, remember, recollect”), from re- (“back, again”) + cor (“heart; mind”).
Words that rhyme with recorder
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of recorder.
Questions about saying recorder
How do you pronounce recorder?
Say rih-KOR-der. The American pronunciation is /rɪˈkɔrdɚ/. In British English it is /rɪˈkɔːdə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in recorder?
Recorder has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (KOR). Broken into parts: rih · KOR · der.
Is recorder 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 /rɪˈkɔːdə/ (rih-KAW-duh).