How to Pronounce “boatswain”

American (US)

/ˈboʊsən/

British (UK)

/ˈbəʊsən/

noun — A person aboard ship who is in charge of various maritime affairs.

Where the stress falls. “boatswain” has 2 syllables, and the transcription /ˈboʊsən/ puts the primary stress mark (ˈ) before the first one — so the first syllable is the longest and loudest. The others are said quickly and lightly.

An unstressed vowel reduces to schwa. /ˈboʊsən/ contains a schwa /ə/ — the short, neutral “uh” that English unstressed syllables collapse into. Saying /ə/ there, instead of the vowel the spelling suggests, is most of what makes the word sound native.

What does "boatswain" mean?

boatswain (noun): A person aboard ship who is in charge of various maritime affairs.

How do you pronounce "boatswain" in American vs British English?

American English: /ˈboʊsən/. British English: /ˈbəʊsən/. Play both on this page to hear the difference.

What is the IPA transcription of "boatswain"?

/ˈboʊsən/ in American English, /ˈbəʊsən/ in British English.

Which syllable is stressed in "boatswain"?

“boatswain” has 2 syllables, and the transcription /ˈboʊsən/ puts the primary stress mark (ˈ) before the first one — so the first syllable is the longest and loudest. The others are said quickly and lightly.