How to Pronounce “nucleus”

American (US)

/ˈnuː.kli.əs/

British (UK)

/ˈnjuː.kli.əs/

noun — The core, central part of something, around which other elements are assembled.

Where the stress falls. “nucleus” has 3 syllables, and the transcription /ˈnuː.kli.əs/ puts the primary stress mark (ˈ) before the first one — so the first syllable is the longest and loudest. The others are said quickly and lightly.

An unstressed vowel reduces to schwa. /ˈnuː.kli.əs/ 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 "nucleus" mean?

nucleus (noun): The core, central part of something, around which other elements are assembled.

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

American English: /ˈnuː.kli.əs/. British English: /ˈnjuː.kli.əs/. Play both on this page to hear the difference.

What is the IPA transcription of "nucleus"?

/ˈnuː.kli.əs/ in American English, /ˈnjuː.kli.əs/ in British English.

Which syllable is stressed in "nucleus"?

“nucleus” has 3 syllables, and the transcription /ˈnuː.kli.əs/ puts the primary stress mark (ˈ) before the first one — so the first syllable is the longest and loudest. The others are said quickly and lightly.