How to pronounce rudder
Say it like RUHD-er. Rudder has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (RUHD).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce rudder. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- RUHD
- er
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Rudder pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- RUHDSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "u" in cup.
- erKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of rudder
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: RUHD-uh.
What does rudder mean?
- An underwater vane used to steer a vessel. The rudder is controlled by means of a wheel, tiller or other apparatus (modern vessels can be controlled even with a joystick or an autopilot).
- A control surface on the vertical stabilizer of a fixed-wing aircraft or an autogyro. On some craft, the entire vertical stabilizer comprises the rudder. The rudder is controlled by foot-operated control pedals.
- A riddle or sieve.
Where does rudder come from?
From Middle English rodder, rother, ruder, from Old English rōþor (“oar, rudder”), from Proto-West Germanic *rōþr, from Proto-Germanic *rōþrą (“oar, rudder”) (compare Dutch and West Frisian roer, German Ruder), from Proto-Germanic *rōaną, f
Words that rhyme with rudder
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of rudder.
Questions about saying rudder
How do you pronounce rudder?
Say RUHD-er. The American pronunciation is /ˈrʌdɚ/. In British English it is /ˈrʌdə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in rudder?
Rudder has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (RUHD). Broken into parts: RUHD · er.
Is rudder 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 /ˈrʌdə/ (RUHD-uh).