How to pronounce teetotaler
Say it like TEE-toh-tuh-ler. Teetotaler has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (TEE).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce teetotaler. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- TEE
- toh
- tuh
- ler
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Teetotaler pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- TEESay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
- tohKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "o" in go.
- tuhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- lerKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of teetotaler
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
- The long o starts further forward in British English, closer to "uh-oo" than the American "oh".
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: TEE-toh-tuh-luh.
What does teetotaler mean?
- A person who completely abstains from alcoholic beverages.
Where does teetotaler come from?
From teetotal + -er.
Questions about saying teetotaler
How do you pronounce teetotaler?
Say TEE-toh-tuh-ler. The American pronunciation is /ˈtitoʊtəlɚ/. In British English it is /ˈtiːtəʊtələ/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in teetotaler?
Teetotaler has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (TEE). Broken into parts: TEE · toh · tuh · ler.
Is teetotaler 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 /ˈtiːtəʊtələ/ (TEE-toh-tuh-luh).