How to pronounce watercress
Say it like WAW-ter-kres. Watercress has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (WAW).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce watercress. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- WAW
- ter
- kres
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Watercress 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 relaxed "uh" in about.
- kresKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
American vs British pronunciation of watercress
- 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-kres.
What does watercress mean?
- A perennial European herb, Nasturtium officinale, that grows in freshwater streams; used in salads and as a garnish.
- A similar plant, Nasturtium microphyllum.
Where does watercress come from?
From Middle English water cresse, water-kresse, watercrasse, water cars, equivalent to water + cress.
Questions about saying watercress
How do you pronounce watercress?
Say WAW-ter-kres. The American pronunciation is /ˈwɔtərkrɛs/. In British English it is /ˈwɔːtəkrɛs/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in watercress?
Watercress has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (WAW). Broken into parts: WAW · ter · kres.
Is watercress 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 /ˈwɔːtəkrɛs/ (WAW-tuh-kres).