How to Pronounce “GNU”
Free audio in American, British, and Australian English.
▶ Hear it pronouncedIPA Transcription
- American (US)
- /ˌdʒiː en ˈjuː/
- British (UK)
- /ˌdʒiː en ˈjuː/
What “GNU” means
proper noun — The Free Software Foundation's project to develop a free UNIX-like operating system, including the legal framework, such as the source code and documentation licenses.
Pronunciation Notes
Where the stress falls. “GNU” has 3 syllables, and the transcription /ˌdʒiː en ˈjuː/ 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "GNU" mean?
GNU (proper noun): The Free Software Foundation's project to develop a free UNIX-like operating system, including the legal framework, such as the source code and documentation licenses.
How do you pronounce "GNU" in American vs British English?
Both accents use the same sequence of phonemes for "GNU", /ˌdʒiː en ˈjuː/, so the difference you hear is in how the vowels are coloured rather than in which sounds are used. Play both on this page to compare.
What is the IPA transcription of "GNU"?
/ˌdʒiː en ˈjuː/ in American English, /ˌdʒiː en ˈjuː/ in British English.
Which syllable is stressed in "GNU"?
“GNU” has 3 syllables, and the transcription /ˌdʒiː en ˈjuː/ 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.
Related words to practice
Browse the full word index or use the pronunciation tool.