How to pronounce waterworks
Say it like WAW-ter-werks. Waterworks 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 waterworks. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- WAW
- ter
- werks
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Waterworks 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.
- werksGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of waterworks
- 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-wuhks.
What does waterworks mean?
- The water supply system of a district, town, city, or other place, including reservoirs, pipes, and pumps.
- Any single facility, such as a filtration plant or pumping station, within such a system.“She is employed by a waterworks at the outskirts of the city.”
- Often in the form turn on the waterworks: crying or tears, especially in a way that is considered manipulative or over-emotional.“She turned on the waterworks when we told her the old man was dead, but she was asking questions about the will soon enough.”
- plural of waterwork How to pronounce waterwork
Where does waterworks come from?
From water + works (“machine, mechanism; factory or factories”).
Questions about saying waterworks
How do you pronounce waterworks?
Say WAW-ter-werks. The American pronunciation is /ˈwɔtɚˌwɚks/. In British English it is /ˈwɔːtəˌwəks/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in waterworks?
Waterworks has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (WAW). Broken into parts: WAW · ter · werks.
Is waterworks 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 /ˈwɔːtəˌwəks/ (WAW-tuh-wuhks).