How to pronounce semester
Say it like suh-MES-ter. Semester has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (MES).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce semester. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- suh
- MES
- ter
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Semester pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- suhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- MESSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- terKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of semester
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: suh-MES-tuh.
What does semester mean?
- one of two divisions of an academic year
- half a year; a period of 6 months
Where does semester come from?
From German Semester, from New Latin sēmestris (“lasting six months”), from sex (“six”) + mēnsis (“month”).
Words that rhyme with semester
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of semester.
Questions about saying semester
How do you pronounce semester?
Say suh-MES-ter. The American pronunciation is /səˈmɛstɚ/. In British English it is /səˈmɛstə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in semester?
Semester has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (MES). Broken into parts: suh · MES · ter.
Is semester 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 /səˈmɛstə/ (suh-MES-tuh).