non-rhotic

Definition

Of an accent, most often one of English: not pronouncing the written letter "r" unless it is followed by a vowel, as in Received Pronunciation, most other accents of England, the Boston accent, traditional NYC English, many accents of southern Louisiana, Australian English, etc.

Etymology

From non- + rhotic.

Example Sentences

• "In a non-rhotic accent, the word 'sort' can be pronounced like the word 'sought'."