Learn How to Pronounce caterpillar

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caterpillar

Definition:

(nou) a wormlike and often brightly colored and hairy or spiny larva of a butterfly or moth (nou) a large tracked vehicle that is propelled by two endless metal belts; frequently used for moving earth in construction and farm work

Phonetic Transcription:

ˈkætəpɪlə

Examples:

The caterpillar hatches from the egg.

The caterpillar larvae eat detritus.

The caterpillar overwinters in the soil as a pupa.

Learn more about:
caterpillar

Related Words:

cocoon

How to perfect your pronunciation of: caterpillar

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Common mistakes of caterpillar pronunciation

Stress placement: Many learners incorrectly stress the second syllable, saying "cat-er-'pillar". The correct stress is on the first syllable: "ˈkæt.ərˌpɪl.ər" (US) / "ˈkæt.ə.pɪl.ə" (UK). Tip: Remember to emphasize the "cat" in "caterpillar".
Vowel sound confusion: Some pronounce "caterpillar" with an "e" sound in the first syllable, saying "see-terpillar". The correct pronunciation has a short "a" sound: "ˈkæt" (US) / "ˈkæt" (UK). Tip: Focus on the "a" as in "cat" for clarity.
Missing syllables: A common mistake is to reduce "caterpillar" to "cat-pillar", omitting the middle syllable. The full pronunciation is "ˈkæt.ərˌpɪl.ər" (US) / "ˈkæt.ə.pɪl.ə" (UK). Tip: Practice saying all three syllables to avoid skipping.
Incorrect vowel in the second syllable: Some learners pronounce the second syllable as "er" instead of "ər". The correct sound is a schwa: "ˈkæt.ər" (US) / "ˈkæt.ə" (UK). Tip: Use a relaxed, unstressed sound for the second syllable.
Final "r" sound: In American English, the final "r" in "caterpillar" is pronounced, while in British English, it may be softer or less pronounced. The US pronunciation is "ˈkæt.ərˌpɪl.ər" and UK is "ˈkæt.ə.pɪl.ə". Tip: Pay attention to regional variations when practicing.

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "caterpillar" in American English?

In American English, "caterpillar" is pronounced as /ˈkætərˌpɪlər/. The primary stress is on the first syllable, "cat," while the second syllable has a secondary stress.

Is there a difference in pronunciation of "caterpillar" between British and American English?

Yes, in British English, "caterpillar" is pronounced as /ˈkætəˌpɪlə/, with a more pronounced schwa sound in the first syllable. The stress pattern remains the same, focusing on the first syllable.

What syllables are stressed in "caterpillar"?

In "caterpillar," the first syllable "cat" receives the primary stress, and the second syllable "pil" has a secondary stress. This pattern helps to clarify the pronunciation.

Are there any common mistakes when pronouncing "caterpillar"?

One common mistake is misplacing the stress, often placing it on the second syllable instead of the first. Additionally, some learners may not pronounce the "r" in "caterpillar," which can lead to confusion.