How to pronounce undertow
Say it like UHN-der-toh. Undertow has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (UHN).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce undertow. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- UHN
- der
- toh
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Undertow pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- UHNSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "u" in cup.
- derKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
- tohGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "o" in go.
American vs British pronunciation of undertow
- 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".
British respelling: UHN-duh-toh.
What does undertow mean?
- To pull or tow under; drag beneath; pull down.
- To pull down by, or as by, an undertow.
- To flow or behave as an undertow.
- A short-range flow of water returning seaward from the waves breaking on the shore.“A strong undertow may sweep a returning swimmer off their feet but it does not carry them far from the shore.”
- A feeling that runs contrary to one's normal one.
Where does undertow come from?
From under- + tow.
Questions about saying undertow
How do you pronounce undertow?
Say UHN-der-toh. The American pronunciation is /ˈʌndɚˌtoʊ/. In British English it is /ˈʌndəˌtəʊ/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in undertow?
Undertow has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (UHN). Broken into parts: UHN · der · toh.
Is undertow 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 /ˈʌndəˌtəʊ/ (UHN-duh-toh).