How to pronounce vertebrate
Say it like VUR-tuh-brayt. Vertebrate has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (VUR).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce vertebrate. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- VUR
- tuh
- brayt
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Vertebrate pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- VURSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ur" in nurse.
- tuhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- braytGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
American vs British pronunciation of vertebrate
- 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: VUR-tuh-brayt.
What does vertebrate mean?
- An animal having a backbone: one belonging to the subphylum Vertebrata.
- Having a backbone.
- Of, being, or pertaining to Vertebrata, animals with backbones.
Where does vertebrate come from?
Adapted borrowing of French vertébré, from Latin vertebrātus (“jointed”) (see -ate (adjective-forming suffix) for more).
Similar and opposite words
Opposite meaning
Questions about saying vertebrate
How do you pronounce vertebrate?
Say VUR-tuh-brayt. The American pronunciation is /ˈvɝtəˌbreɪt/. In British English it is /ˈvɜːtəˌbreɪt/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in vertebrate?
Vertebrate has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (VUR). Broken into parts: VUR · tuh · brayt.
Is vertebrate 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 /ˈvɜːtəˌbreɪt/ (VUR-tuh-brayt).