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schwa

noun \ ˈshwä \

Definition of schwa

1 : an unstressed mid-central vowel (such as the usual sound of the first and last vowels of the English word America)
2 : the symbol ə used for the schwa sound and less widely for a similarly articulated stressed vowel (as in cut)

See schwa defined for English-language learners

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Video: Schwa

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The most common vowel sound in English causes many spelling problems.

Origin and Etymology of schwa

German, from Hebrew schĕwā'

SCHWA Defined for English Language Learners

schwa

noun

Definition of schwa for English Language Learners

  • : a vowel that has the sound of the first and last vowels of the English word America

  • : the symbol ə that is used for the schwa sound

SCHWA Defined for Kids

schwa

noun \ ˈshwä \

Definition of schwa for Students

1 : an unstressed vowel that is the usual sound of the first and last vowels of the English word America
2 : the symbol ə commonly used for a schwa and sometimes also for a similarly pronounced stressed vowel (as in cut)

Learn More about schwa

  1. See words that rhyme with schwa

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