A guide to saying it correctly
How to Pronounce Worcester
Pronounced 'Wooster' – the 'rce' is silent, and the 'o' sounds like 'oo'.
worcester
WUUS-ter
/ˈwʊs.tər/ · WUUS · ter
Native US English · Kokoro neural TTS · 0:01
It's a common place name that often trips people up.
Where the word comes from
The name comes from the Old English 'Wigornaceaster', meaning 'fortress of the people of Wigorna'. 'Wigorna' is thought to be a personal name.
Common ways people get it wrong
- wor-CHES-ter Many people try to pronounce the 'ce' like in 'Worcestershire sauce', but it's a silent cluster here.
- wor-SES-ter The 'c' is not pronounced, so avoid adding an extra 's' sound.
Frequently asked
Is it pronounced like 'Worcestershire sauce'?
Yes, the pronunciation is the same as the sauce, which is 'Wooster'. The 'rce' is silent.
Why is it spelled that way but pronounced differently?
English spelling is notoriously inconsistent. Over time, the pronunciation of 'Worcester' simplified, but the spelling remained largely unchanged.
Are there other places called Worcester?
Yes, there is a well-known city called Worcester in England, and also a county and city in Massachusetts, USA, both sharing the same pronunciation.
How do locals pronounce Worcester?
Locals in Worcester, England, pronounce the city's name as 'Wooster', with the first 'r' being silent.
How do Brits say Worcester?
Most British people pronounce Worcester as 'Wooster', dropping the 'r' sound in the second syllable.
How is Worcester pronounced?
Worcester is typically pronounced 'Wooster', with a silent 'r' in the second syllable and a 'ster' sound at the end.
Why is Worcester pronounced like Wooster?
The pronunciation of Worcester as 'Wooster' is a historical simplification that has become the standard in English, similar to how other place names have evolved.
What is the IPA pronunciation for Worcester?
The International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) for Worcester is /ˈwʊs.tər/, reflecting the pronunciation 'Wooster'.
