How to pronounce ambidextrous
Say it like am-bih-DEK-strus. Ambidextrous has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (DEK).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce ambidextrous. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- am
- bih
- DEK
- strus
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Ambidextrous pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- amGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
- bihKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- DEKSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- strusKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of ambidextrous
American and British speakers say ambidextrous in essentially the same way: /ˌæmbɪˈdɛkstrəs/ in the US and /ˌæmbiˈdɛkstrəs/ in the UK.
British respelling: am-bee-DEK-strus.
What does ambidextrous mean?
- Having equal or comparable ability in both hands; in particular, able to write well with both hands.
- Equally usable by left-handed and right-handed people (as a tool or instrument).
- Of a person, bisexual.
Words that rhyme with ambidextrous
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of ambidextrous.
Questions about saying ambidextrous
How do you pronounce ambidextrous?
Say am-bih-DEK-strus. The American pronunciation is /ˌæmbɪˈdɛkstrəs/. In British English it is /ˌæmbiˈdɛkstrəs/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in ambidextrous?
Ambidextrous has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (DEK). Broken into parts: am · bih · DEK · strus.
Do Americans and Brits say ambidextrous the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˌæmbɪˈdɛkstrəs/ and the British form is /ˌæmbiˈdɛkstrəs/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.