How to Pronounce “tobacco”
Free audio in American, British, and Australian English.
▶ Hear it pronouncedIPA Transcription
- American (US)
- /təˈbækoʊ/
- British (UK)
- /təˈbækəʊ/
- Australian (AU)
- /təˈbækəʉ/
What “tobacco” means
noun — Any plant of the genus Nicotiana.
Pronunciation Notes
Where the stress falls. “tobacco” has 3 syllables, and the transcription /təˈbækoʊ/ puts the primary stress mark (ˈ) before the second one — so the second syllable is the longest and loudest. The others are said quickly and lightly.
An unstressed vowel reduces to schwa. /təˈbækoʊ/ 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "tobacco" mean?
tobacco (noun): Any plant of the genus Nicotiana.
How do you pronounce "tobacco" in American vs British English?
American English: /təˈbækoʊ/. British English: /təˈbækəʊ/. Play both on this page to hear the difference.
What is the IPA transcription of "tobacco"?
/təˈbækoʊ/ in American English, /təˈbækəʊ/ in British English, /təˈbækəʉ/ in Australian English.
Which syllable is stressed in "tobacco"?
“tobacco” has 3 syllables, and the transcription /təˈbækoʊ/ puts the primary stress mark (ˈ) before the second one — so the second syllable is the longest and loudest. The others are said quickly and lightly.
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