How to pronounce winter
Say it like WIN-ter. Winter has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (WIN).
- WIN
- ter
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Winter pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- WINSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- terKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of winter
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: WIN-tuh.
What does winter mean?
- the coldest season of the year; in the northern hemisphere it extends from the winter solstice to the vernal equinox
- spend the winter“We wintered on the Riviera”“Shackleton's men overwintered on Elephant Island”
Where does winter come from?
From Middle English winter, from Old English winter, from Proto-West Germanic *wintru, from Proto-Germanic *wintruz (“winter”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with winter
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of winter.
Questions about saying winter
How do you pronounce winter?
Say WIN-ter. The American pronunciation is /ˈwɪntɚ/. In British English it is /ˈwɪntə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in winter?
Winter has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (WIN). Broken into parts: WIN · ter.
Is winter 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 /ˈwɪntə/ (WIN-tuh).