How to pronounce wastewater
Say it like WAYST-waw-ter. Wastewater has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (WAYST).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce wastewater. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- WAYST
- waw
- ter
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Wastewater pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- WAYSTSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
- wawGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "aw" in law.
- terKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of wastewater
- 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: WAYST-waw-tuh.
What does wastewater mean?
- Any water that has been used in some human domestic or industrial activity and, as a result, now contains waste products.
Where does wastewater come from?
From waste + water.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying wastewater
How do you pronounce wastewater?
Say WAYST-waw-ter. The American pronunciation is /ˈweɪstˌwɔtɚ/. In British English it is /ˈweɪstˌwɔːtə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in wastewater?
Wastewater has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (WAYST). Broken into parts: WAYST · waw · ter.
Is wastewater 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 /ˈweɪstˌwɔːtə/ (WAYST-waw-tuh).