2 syllables: ham, ster. Stress on ham.
HAM-stur
/ˈhæmstɚ/
hamster is pronounced HAM-stur (/ˈhæmstɚ/). It has two syllables (ham-ster), with the stress on "ham". Hamster is a small rodent kept as a pet or used in research, typically with a stout body, short limbs, and a short tail. It produces distinctive squeaks and sounds when interacting with humans or other animals. In everyday speech, “hamster” refers to the animal and is used across casual and scientific contexts with neutral to affectionate tone.
Hamster is a small rodent kept as a pet or used in research, typically with a stout body, short limbs, and a short tail. It produces distinctive squeaks and sounds when interacting with humans or other animals. In everyday speech, “hamster” refers to the animal and is used across casual and scientific contexts with neutral to affectionate tone.
"I bought a hamster for my daughter, and it already loves its little wheel."
"The lab team labeled the hamster sample with a code name for the study."
"My hamster keeps nibbling the cage bars whenever I’m near."
Pronounce as /ˈhæm.stɚ/ in US, /ˈhæm.stə/ in UK/AU. Stress on the first syllable. The first syllable uses a low-front /æ/ as in cat, followed by an /m/ with the tongue at the upper teeth ridge. The second syllable is a lax schwa or a reduced /ə/ with a clear /ɚ/ rhotacized ending in US. Tip: keep the vowel crisp, and avoid turning the second syllable into /ər/ too strongly; allow it to glide into a soft, quick ending.
Common errors: (1) Slurring the second syllable into an /ɪ/ or /ə/ too strongly, producing /ˈhæmˌɪstər/. (2) Dropping the /m/ or merging it with the /st/ cluster, sounding like /ˈhænstər/. (3) Using a long /ɚ/ without rhoticity in US; you should have a quick, short /ɚ/. Correction: enunciate /ˈhæm.stɚ/ with a precise /m/ closure before the /st/ cluster, and a reduced second vowel. Practice by isolating the two syllables: /ˈhæm/ and /stɚ/ and blend smoothly.
US: /ˈhæm.stɚ/ with rhotacized final vowel; UK/AU: /ˈhæm.stə/ with a non-rhotic ending, softer /ə/. The main difference is the rhoticity of the US final /ɚ/ vs non-rhotic /ə/ in UK/AU. Vowel quality is similar otherwise, but US vowels around it can be slightly tenser. In fast speech, the /m/ and /st/ cluster remains fused, so you’ll hear a compact /ˈhæm.stə(ɹ)/ in connected speech in the US.
Difficulties arise from the /æ/ vs /a/ distinction, the /m/ before a consonant cluster /st/, and the reduced second syllable /ɚ/ or /ə/. The transition from a light front vowel to a consonant cluster can create a slight vowel intrusion. The trailing /ɚ/ in US requires a subtle rhotic warmth, which may feel unfamiliar if your first language lacks rhotics or has a different vowel reduction pattern. Focus on clean closure into /m/ and a crisp but quick /st/ sequence, then a natural shortening of the final vowel.
This tailored question spotlights how you practically say hamster in everyday talk. Pay attention to mouth position: lips rounded lightly for /ɐ/ in many accents, tongue high on the alveolar ridge for /st/, and a gentle closure for /ɚ/ or /ə/. In speech, you’ll often hear US speakers voice the final /ɚ/ less than the first syllable, making it feel like /ˈhæm.stɚ/ with a quick, almost whispered finish. Practice with sentences to keep natural cadence.
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US: /ˈhæm.stɚ/ with a pronounced rhotic ending; UK/AU: /ˈhæm.stə/ with a non-rhotic ending and a shorter final vowel. Vowel quality: /æ/ in stressed first syllable tends to be more open in US; /æ/ is similar in UK/AU but the final vowel is lighter. Consonants: maintain a clear /m/ closure, then /st/ cluster without inserting extra vowel. Forvo and dictionaries confirm regional variants and listen for subtle differences in vowel reduction.
Hamster comes from the German Hamster, which in turn derives from the Turkish word hamstur, and ultimately from the Middle High German hampstra, reflecting the animal’s rounded, stout body. The name was adopted into English in the 18th to 19th centuries with the scientific and pet-keeping communities expanding the term. Early descriptions emphasize the hamster’s fat, furry cheeks and compact form, traits that distinguished it from other rodents. Over time, the word broadened beyond lab contexts as hamsters became beloved pets and subjects of zoological observation, embedding itself in popular culture and education. The differentiation between Syrian hamsters and dwarf varieties contributed to a nuanced lexicon within pet care and veterinary literature, yet the term retained a stable core meaning: a small, chubby-cheeked rodent known for wheel-running and quick, darting movements. Modern usage spans science, pet care, and entertainment, with “hamster” maintaining a gentle, approachable connotation while still serving technical descriptions in research contexts.
💡 Etymology tip: Understanding word origins can help you remember pronunciation patterns and recognize related words in the same language family.
Help others use "hamster" correctly by contributing grammar tips, common mistakes, and context guidance.
💡 These words have similar meanings to "hamster" and can often be used interchangeably.
🔄 These words have opposite meanings to "hamster" and show contrast in usage.
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Words that rhyme with "hamster"
-cer sounds
Practice with these rhyming pairs to improve your pronunciation consistency:
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