How to pronounce whisper
Say it like WIS-per. Whisper has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (WIS).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce whisper. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- WIS
- per
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Whisper pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- WISSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- perKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of whisper
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: WIS-puh.
What does whisper mean?
- speaking softly without vibration of the vocal cords
- a light noise, like the noise of silk clothing or leaves blowing in the wind
- speak softly; in a low voice
Where does whisper come from?
Cognate with Dutch wisperen (“to whisper”), German wispern (“to mumble, whisper”).
Similar and opposite words
Opposite meaning
Questions about saying whisper
How do you pronounce whisper?
Say WIS-per. The American pronunciation is /ˈwɪspɚ/. In British English it is /ˈwɪspə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in whisper?
Whisper has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (WIS). Broken into parts: WIS · per.
Is whisper 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 /ˈwɪspə/ (WIS-puh).