2 syllables: Car, tridge. Stress on Car.
KAHR-truhj
/ˈkɑɹtɹədʒ/
Cartridge is pronounced KAHR-truhj (/ˈkɑɹtɹədʒ/). It has two syllables (Car-tridge), with the stress on "Car". Cartridge is a small, removable container that holds a consumable item—such as ink, toner, or ammunition—within a device or weapon. It is designed for single-use or limited-use replacement, enabling quick, clean replacement and operation. The term emphasizes the contained product and its portability within a mechanism.
nounCartridge is a small, removable container that holds a consumable item—such as ink, toner, or ammunition—within a device or weapon. It is designed for single-use or limited-use replacement, enabling quick, clean replacement and operation. The term emphasizes the contained product and its portability within a mechanism.
How to Pronounce Cartridge
"I replaced the printer cartridge to restore color printing."
"The old video game cartridge plugged into the console and started the launch sequence."
"We need a fresh ink cartridge for the inkjet printer before the conference."
Cartridge is pronounced as CAR-tridge, with the primary stress on the first syllable. In IPA: US: ˈkɑːr.trɪdʒ, UK: ˈkɑː.trɪdʒ. Start with an open back unrounded vowel in 'car,' then a rhotic R, followed by a short, lax 'trij' ending with a voiced affricate 'dʒ' as in 'judge.'
Common errors include misplacing the stress (saying caR-tridge), pronouncing the middle as 'kar‑trid' without the 'r' after the 'a,' and misarticulating the final 'dʒ' as a hard 'j' or 'g' sound. Correct by keeping the 'r' in the first syllable, producing a short 'ɪ' in the second syllable, and finishing with the voiced postalveolar affricate 'dʒ' (like 'judge').
US tends toward 'CAR-trɪdʒ' with rhoticity and a fuller 'ar' vowel. UK often uses 'CAR-trɪdʒ' with slightly shorter 'a' and non-rhoticity in some regions, though rhotic accents still pronounce the 'r' in most word-medial positions. Australian generally aligns closer to US, with a similar 'CAR-trɪdʒ' quality but may feature vowel flattening or length differences before the 'tɪdʒ' ending. IPA highlights: US ˈkɑːr.trɪdʒ, UK ˈkɑː.trɪdʒ, AU ˈkɑː.trɪdʒ.
The challenge comes from the cluster 'tr' immediately before the 'ɪdʒ' ending and the 'r' coloration after the first vowel. For non-rhotic speakers, the 'r' in ‘car’ can be muted, changing the quality of the first syllable. Additionally, the final 'dʒ' sound requires precise tongue tip contact to avoid a 'j' or 'g' mispronunciation. Focus on keeping the 'r' clear and finishing with a clean 'dʒ'.
Cartridge commonly features a stressed first syllable with a short, lax second syllable, and a clear 'dʒ' at the end. The middle 'r' should be lightly voiced, not swallowed, to keep the American and British pronunciations natural. Pay attention to the transition from 'tr' to 'ɪ' and ensure the last sound is a voiced postalveolar affricate rather than a simple 'j' sound.
🗣️ Voice search tip: These questions are optimized for voice search. Try asking your voice assistant any of these questions about "Cartridge"!
Cartridge derives from the French cartridge, which in turn comes from the Italian cartuccia, meaning 'cartouche' or cartridge. The term first appeared in English in the 18th century, originally referring to a paper or wooden case containing a charge for firearms. As firearms evolved, the cartridge became a self-contained unit with bullet, powder, and primer integrated into a single metal or paper case. By the late 19th and early 20th centuries, 'cartridge' broadened to cartridges for printers and other devices, retaining the core sense of a replaceable, self-contained unit. The modern sense of a cartridge as a modular, easily replaceable unit grew with mass production and standardized dimensions, enabling easy swapping in consumer devices and firearms alike. First known use in print for the ammunition sense appeared around the 1780s; for printer/ink cartridges, usage surged in the late 20th century with the advent of consumer inkjet printers.
💡 Etymology tip: Understanding word origins can help you remember pronunciation patterns and recognize related words in the same language family.
Help others use "Cartridge" correctly by contributing grammar tips, common mistakes, and context guidance.
💡 These words have similar meanings to "Cartridge" and can often be used interchangeably.
🔄 These words have opposite meanings to "Cartridge" and show contrast in usage.
📚 Vocabulary tip: Learning synonyms and antonyms helps you understand nuanced differences in meaning and improves your word choice in speaking and writing.
Words that rhyme with "Cartridge"
-age sounds
Practice with these rhyming pairs to improve your pronunciation consistency:
🎵 Rhyme tip: Practicing with rhyming words helps you master similar sound patterns and improves your overall pronunciation accuracy.
