How to Pronounce “colonoscopy”

American (US)

/kɑ.ləˈnɑ.skə.pi/

British (UK)

/ˌkɒ.ləˈnɒ.skə.pi/

noun — The examination of the colon using a colonoscope.

Where the stress falls. “colonoscopy” has 5 syllables, and the transcription /kɑ.ləˈnɑ.skə.pi/ 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. /kɑ.ləˈnɑ.skə.pi/ 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 "colonoscopy" mean?

colonoscopy (noun): The examination of the colon using a colonoscope.

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

American English: /kɑ.ləˈnɑ.skə.pi/. British English: /ˌkɒ.ləˈnɒ.skə.pi/. Play both on this page to hear the difference.

What is the IPA transcription of "colonoscopy"?

/kɑ.ləˈnɑ.skə.pi/ in American English, /ˌkɒ.ləˈnɒ.skə.pi/ in British English.

Which syllable is stressed in "colonoscopy"?

“colonoscopy” has 5 syllables, and the transcription /kɑ.ləˈnɑ.skə.pi/ 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.