How to pronounce wiretap
Say it like WY-er-tap. Wiretap has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (WY).
VoiceSpeed
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce wiretap. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
US American/ˈwaɪɚtæp/WY-er-tap
UK British/ˈwaɪtæp/WY-tap
- WY
- er
- tap
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Wiretap pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- WYSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in time.
- erKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
- tapKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
American vs British pronunciation of wiretap
- American English uses 3 syllables and British English 2.
- 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: WY-tap.
What does wiretap mean?
noun
- A connection installed on a telephone line or other communications system in order to allow a third party to conduct covert surveillance of conversations.
- To install or to use such a connection.
Where does wiretap come from?
Back-formation from wiretapper; or else wire + tap
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying wiretap
How do you pronounce wiretap?
Say WY-er-tap. The American pronunciation is /ˈwaɪɚtæp/. In British English it is /ˈwaɪtæp/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in wiretap?
Wiretap has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (WY). Broken into parts: WY · er · tap.
Is wiretap pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. American English uses 3 syllables and British English 2. The British form is /ˈwaɪtæp/ (WY-tap).