How do you pronounce "ancestors"?

In American English: /ˈænˌsɛstɝz/ (AN-sehst-urz). In British English: /ˈænsˌɛstəz/ (ANS-ehst-uhz). In Canadian English: /ˈænˌsɛstɝz/ (AN-sehst-urz). In Australian English: /ˈansɛstəz/ (ANS-ehst).

Is "ancestors" pronounced differently in American and British English?

Yes. In American English it's pronounced /ˈænˌsɛstɝz/ (AN-sehst-urz), while in British English it's /ˈænsˌɛstəz/ (ANS-ehst-uhz).

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ancestors

regional

/ˈænˌsɛstɝz/

AN-sehst-urz

Syllable Breakdown

ænan·sɛstces·ɝztors

Source

90%confidence📘 CMU Pronouncing Dictionary v0.7b

All Variants

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Last updated: 2026-02-12