A guide to saying it correctly
How to Pronounce Gloucester
Pronounce Gloucester like 'gloss' plus 'ter' – the silent 'u' and 'ce' are the tricky parts.
gloucester
GLOSS-ter
/ˈɡlɒs.tər/ · GLOSS · ter
Native US English · Kokoro neural TTS · 0:01
It's also the name of a city in Massachusetts, USA, and a type of pear.
Where the word comes from
The name Gloucester comes from the Old English 'Gloweceaster', meaning 'fortress of Gloucester'. This is derived from the Roman name 'Glevum'.
Common ways people get it wrong
- GLOW-ches-ter People sometimes pronounce the 'ce' like 'ches', but it's silent in this word. Focus on the 'gloss' sound.
- GLOO-ster The 'u' is silent, so don't pronounce it like 'glue'. The first syllable sounds like 'gloss'.
Frequently asked
Is the 'u' in Gloucester silent?
Yes, the 'u' in Gloucester is silent. The pronunciation is closer to 'gloss-ter' than 'glue-ster'.
How do you pronounce the 'ce' in Gloucester?
The 'ce' is also silent. It does not sound like 'ches'. The word ends with a simple 'ter' sound.
Is there a Gloucester in the US?
Yes, there is a city named Gloucester in Massachusetts, USA. It's known for its fishing industry and maritime history.
How do locals pronounce Gloucester?
Locals typically pronounce Gloucester as 'GLOSS-ter', with the first syllable stressed and the 'uce' sounding like 'oss'.
Is Gloucester pronounced Gloster?
Yes, the common pronunciation of Gloucester is effectively 'Gloster', dropping the 'u' sound and simplifying the middle part.
How do you pronounce Gloucester in British English?
In British English, Gloucester is pronounced 'GLOSS-ter', with the emphasis on the first syllable and a silent 'u'.
How do you pronounce Gloucester in American English?
Americans often pronounce Gloucester similarly to the British, as 'GLOSS-ter', though some may pronounce the 'u' slightly more, as in 'GLOSS-ter'.
