How to pronounce taper
Say it like TAY-per. Taper has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (TAY).
- TAY
- per
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Taper pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- TAYSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
- perKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of taper
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: TAY-puh.
What does taper mean?
- A slender wax candle.
- A small light.
- A tapering form; gradual diminution of thickness and/or cross section in an elongated object.“the taper of a spire”
- To make thinner or narrower at one end.
- To become thinner or narrower at one end.
- To diminish gradually.
- Tapered; narrowing to a point.
Where does taper come from?
From Middle English taper, from Old English tapor (“taper, candle, wick of a lamp”), of uncertain origin.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with taper
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of taper.
Questions about saying taper
How do you pronounce taper?
Say TAY-per. The American pronunciation is /ˈteɪpɚ/. In British English it is /ˈteɪpə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in taper?
Taper has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (TAY). Broken into parts: TAY · per.
Is taper 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 /ˈteɪpə/ (TAY-puh).