How to pronounce zoster
Say it like ZOS-ter. Zoster has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (ZOS).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce zoster. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- ZOS
- ter
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Zoster pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- ZOSSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- terKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of zoster
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
British respelling: ZOS-tuh.
What does zoster mean?
- An ancient Greek waist-belt for men.
- The disease called herpes zoster (from the typically beltlike pattern of its rash); shingles.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with zoster
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of zoster.
Questions about saying zoster
How do you pronounce zoster?
Say ZOS-ter. The American pronunciation is /ˈzɑstɚ/. In British English it is /ˈzɒstə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in zoster?
Zoster has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (ZOS). Broken into parts: ZOS · ter.
Is zoster 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 /ˈzɒstə/ (ZOS-tuh).