How to pronounce semaphore
Say it like SEM-uh-for. Semaphore has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SEM).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce semaphore. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- SEM
- uh
- for
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Semaphore pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- SEMSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- forGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "o" in go.
American vs British pronunciation of semaphore
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: SEM-uh-faw.
What does semaphore mean?
- Any equipment used for visual signaling by means of flags, lights, or mechanically moving arms, which are used to represent letters of the alphabet, or words.
- A visual system for transmitting information using the above equipment; especially, by means of two flags held one in each hand, using an alphabetic and numeric code based on the position of the signaler's arms; flag semaphore.
- A bit, token, fragment of code, or some other mechanism which is used to restrict access to a shared function or device to a single process at a time, or to synchronize and coordinate events in different processes.“The thread increments the semaphore to prevent other threads from entering the critical section at the same time.”
- To signal using, or as if using, a semaphore, with the implication that it is done nonverbally.
Where does semaphore come from?
The verb is derived from the noun.
Questions about saying semaphore
How do you pronounce semaphore?
Say SEM-uh-for. The American pronunciation is /ˈsɛməˌfoʊr/. In British English it is /ˈsɛməˌfɔː/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in semaphore?
Semaphore has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SEM). Broken into parts: SEM · uh · for.
Is semaphore 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 /ˈsɛməˌfɔː/ (SEM-uh-faw).