How to Pronounce “avocado”

American (US)

/ˌɑvəˈkɑdoʊ/

British (UK)

/ˌævəˈkɑːdəʊ/

Australian (AU)

/ˌævəˈkɐːdəʉ/

noun — A pear-shaped fruit with a large stone and rich green flesh.

Example: The avocado was perfectly ripe for once.

Where the stress falls. “avocado” has 4 syllables, and the transcription /ˌɑvəˈkɑdoʊ/ puts the primary stress mark (ˈ) before the third one — so the third syllable is the longest and loudest. The others are said quickly and lightly.

An unstressed vowel reduces to schwa. /ˌɑvəˈkɑdoʊ/ contains a schwa /ə/ — the short, neutral “uh” that English unstressed syllables collapse into. Saying /ə/ there, instead of the vowel the spelling suggests, is most of what makes the word sound native.

What does "avocado" mean?

avocado (noun): A pear-shaped fruit with a large stone and rich green flesh. For example — The avocado was perfectly ripe for once.

How do you pronounce "avocado" in American vs British English?

American English: /ˌɑvəˈkɑdoʊ/. British English: /ˌævəˈkɑːdəʊ/. Play both on this page to hear the difference.

What is the IPA transcription of "avocado"?

/ˌɑvəˈkɑdoʊ/ in American English, /ˌævəˈkɑːdəʊ/ in British English, /ˌævəˈkɐːdəʉ/ in Australian English.

Which syllable is stressed in "avocado"?

“avocado” has 4 syllables, and the transcription /ˌɑvəˈkɑdoʊ/ puts the primary stress mark (ˈ) before the third one — so the third syllable is the longest and loudest. The others are said quickly and lightly.