How to pronounce sphincter
Say it like SFINGK-ter. Sphincter has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SFINGK).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce sphincter. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- SFINGK
- ter
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Sphincter pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- SFINGKSay 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 sphincter
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: SFINGK-tuh.
What does sphincter mean?
- a ring of muscle that contracts to close an opening
Questions about saying sphincter
How do you pronounce sphincter?
Say SFINGK-ter. The American pronunciation is /ˈsfɪŋktɚ/. In British English it is /ˈsfɪŋktə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in sphincter?
Sphincter has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SFINGK). Broken into parts: SFINGK · ter.
Is sphincter 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 /ˈsfɪŋktə/ (SFINGK-tuh).