English pronunciation · Words Starting with W

Water Pronunciation

Water is pronounced WAW-ter, IPA /ˈwɔtɝ/.

WAW-ter

US /ˈwɔtɝ/  ·  UK /ˈwɔːtə/

Syllables: WAW · ter (2 syllables, stress on syllable 1)

noun and verb: The clear liquid that falls as rain and fills rivers and seas.

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Water in a Sentence

  • Could I have a glass of water?
  • Water the plants before you go away.
  • The water in the bay is warmer in September.

Common Mispronunciations of Water

Not WAH-ter

The a here opens to aw, the vowel of law. It is one of the few words where wa does not give the ah of watch.

Not WOT-uh

Most American speakers soften the t into a quick d, giving WAW-der. Both that and a crisp t are normal, but the vowel in front stays the same either way.

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