How to pronounce waterspout
Say it like WAW-ter-spowt. Waterspout 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 waterspout. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- WAW
- ter
- spowt
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Waterspout 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.
- spowtKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ow" in now.
American vs British pronunciation of waterspout
- 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-spowt.
What does waterspout mean?
- A whirlwind that forms over water, not associated with a mesocyclone of a thunderstorm (contrary to a true tornado).
- A true tornado that passes over a body of water.
- A plume of water rising from the surface of a body of water as the result of an explosion or impact.
Where does waterspout come from?
From water + spout.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying waterspout
How do you pronounce waterspout?
Say WAW-ter-spowt. The American pronunciation is /ˈwɔtɚspaʊt/. In British English it is /ˈwɔːtəspaʊt/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in waterspout?
Waterspout has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (WAW). Broken into parts: WAW · ter · spowt.
Is waterspout 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 /ˈwɔːtəspaʊt/ (WAW-tuh-spowt).