How to pronounce watergate
Say it like WAW-ter-gayt. Watergate 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 watergate. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- WAW
- ter
- gayt
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Watergate 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.
- gaytGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
American vs British pronunciation of watergate
- 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-gayt.
Other ways to say watergate
Watergate also has this pronunciation, usually with a different meaning or use:
- WAH-ter-gayt /ˈwɑtɚˌɡeɪt/
What does watergate mean?
- A gate opening onto water, or only or mainly accessible by water.
- Alternative form of water gate.
- Alternative form of Watergate.
Where does watergate come from?
From Middle English watergate, wateregate, watur-ȝate, equivalent to water + gate.
Questions about saying watergate
How do you pronounce watergate?
Say WAW-ter-gayt. The American pronunciation is /ˈwɔtɚˌɡeɪt/. In British English it is /ˈwɔːtəˌɡeɪt/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in watergate?
Watergate has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (WAW). Broken into parts: WAW · ter · gayt.
Is watergate 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 /ˈwɔːtəˌɡeɪt/ (WAW-tuh-gayt).