How to pronounce waterwork
Say it like WAW-ter-wurk. Waterwork has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (WAW).
VoiceSpeed
US American/ˈwɔtɚˌwɝk/WAW-ter-wurk
UK British/ˈwɔːtəˌwək/WAW-tuh-wuhk
- WAW
- ter
- wurk
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Waterwork 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.
- wurkGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "ur" in nurse.
American vs British pronunciation of waterwork
- 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-wuhk.
What does waterwork mean?
noun
- A machine or mechanism for raising or carrying water.
- A textile fabric used like tapestry.
- Some action or activity done on, in, or using water.
Where does waterwork come from?
From Late Middle English [Term?], analysable as water + work.
Questions about saying waterwork
How do you pronounce waterwork?
Say WAW-ter-wurk. The American pronunciation is /ˈwɔtɚˌwɝk/. In British English it is /ˈwɔːtəˌwək/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in waterwork?
Waterwork has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (WAW). Broken into parts: WAW · ter · wurk.
Is waterwork 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 /ˈwɔːtəˌwək/ (WAW-tuh-wuhk).