How to pronounce sister
Say it like SIS-ter. Sister has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SIS).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce sister. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- SIS
- ter
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Sister pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- SISSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- terKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of sister
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: SIS-tuh.
What does sister mean?
- a female person who has the same parents as another person“my sister married a musician”
- (Roman Catholic Church) a title given to a nun (and used as a form of address)“the Sisters taught her to love God”
- a female person who is a fellow member of a sorority or labor union or other group“none of her sisters would betray her”
Similar and opposite words
Opposite meaning
Words that rhyme with sister
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of sister.
Words that sound like sister
Questions about saying sister
How do you pronounce sister?
Say SIS-ter. The American pronunciation is /ˈsɪstɚ/. In British English it is /ˈsɪstə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in sister?
Sister has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SIS). Broken into parts: SIS · ter.
Is sister 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 /ˈsɪstə/ (SIS-tuh).
What words sound the same as sister?
Sister sounds the same as sr in American English. The spelling and meaning are what tell them apart.