How to pronounce traitor
Say it like TRAY-ter. Traitor has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (TRAY).
- TRAY
- ter
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Traitor pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- TRAYSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
- terKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of traitor
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: TRAY-tuh.
What does traitor mean?
- Someone who violates an allegiance and betrays their country; someone guilty of treason; one who, in breach of trust, delivers their country to an enemy, or yields up any fort or place entrusted to their defense, or surrenders an army or body of troops to the enemy, unless when vanquished.
- Someone who takes arms and levies war against their country; or one who aids an enemy in conquering their country.
- One who betrays any confidence or trust.
- To act the traitor toward; to betray; to deceive.
- Traitorous.
Where does traitor come from?
From Middle English traitor, traitour, traytour, from Old French traïtor (French traître), from Latin trāditor.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with traitor
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of traitor.
Questions about saying traitor
How do you pronounce traitor?
Say TRAY-ter. The American pronunciation is /ˈtreɪtɚ/. In British English it is /ˈtreɪtə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in traitor?
Traitor has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (TRAY). Broken into parts: TRAY · ter.
Is traitor 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 /ˈtreɪtə/ (TRAY-tuh).