How to pronounce watercolor
Say it like WAW-ter-kuhl-er. Watercolor has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (WAW).
VoiceSpeed
US American/ˈwɔtɚˌkʌlɚ/WAW-ter-kuhl-er
UK British/ˈwɔːtəˌkʌlə/WAW-tuh-kuhl-uh
- WAW
- ter
- kuhl
- er
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Watercolor pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- WAWSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "aw" in law.
- terKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
- kuhlGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "u" in cup.
- erKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of watercolor
- 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: WAW-tuh-kuhl-uh.
What does watercolor mean?
adjective
- Alternative spelling of watercolour.
- Alternative spelling of watercolour.
- Alternative spelling of watercolour.
Where does watercolor come from?
From water + color.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
- water-color
- watercolour
- water-colour
Questions about saying watercolor
How do you pronounce watercolor?
Say WAW-ter-kuhl-er. The American pronunciation is /ˈwɔtɚˌkʌlɚ/. In British English it is /ˈwɔːtəˌkʌlə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in watercolor?
Watercolor has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (WAW). Broken into parts: WAW · ter · kuhl · er.
Is watercolor 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 /ˈwɔːtəˌkʌlə/ (WAW-tuh-kuhl-uh).