How to pronounce akimbo
Say it like uh-KIM-boh. Akimbo has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (KIM).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce akimbo. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- uh
- KIM
- boh
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Akimbo pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- KIMSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- bohKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "o" in go.
American vs British pronunciation of akimbo
- The long o starts further forward in British English, closer to "uh-oo" than the American "oh".
British respelling: uh-KIM-boh.
What does akimbo mean?
- With a crook or bend; with the hand on the hip and elbow turned outward.
- With legs spread and the knees bent in an outward or awkward way, sometimes with the feet touching.
- Into, in, or of the position where the arms are akimbo.“The man was standing akimbo.”
- Of weapons, especially firearms: one held in each hand.“Although it was a little impractical, Elmer held his revolvers akimbo because to him it looked cool.”
- To wield (two weapons), one in each hand.
Where does akimbo come from?
From Middle English in kenebowe, in kene bowe (“in a keen bow”, i.e.
Words that rhyme with akimbo
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of akimbo.
Questions about saying akimbo
How do you pronounce akimbo?
Say uh-KIM-boh. The American pronunciation is /əˈkɪmboʊ/. In British English it is /əˈkɪmbəʊ/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in akimbo?
Akimbo has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (KIM). Broken into parts: uh · KIM · boh.
Is akimbo pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. The long o starts further forward in British English, closer to "uh-oo" than the American "oh". The British form is /əˈkɪmbəʊ/ (uh-KIM-boh).