How to pronounce arabesque
Say it like ar-uh-BESK. Arabesque has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (BESK).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce arabesque. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- ar
- uh
- BESK
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Arabesque pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- arGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- BESKSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
American vs British pronunciation of arabesque
American and British speakers say arabesque in essentially the same way: /ˌærəˈbɛsk/ in the US and /ˌærəˈbɛsk/ in the UK.
British respelling: ar-uh-BESK.
What does arabesque mean?
- An elaborate design of intertwined floral figures or complex geometrical patterns, mainly used in Islamic art and architecture.
- An ornate composition, especially for the piano.
- A dance position in which the dancer stands on one leg, with the other raised backwards, and the arms outstretched.
- To move in an arabesque motion.
- To decorate with an arabesque pattern.
Where does arabesque come from?
Borrowed from French arabesque, from Italian arabesco, from arabo (“Arab”).
Words that rhyme with arabesque
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of arabesque.
Questions about saying arabesque
How do you pronounce arabesque?
Say ar-uh-BESK. The American pronunciation is /ˌærəˈbɛsk/. In British English it is /ˌærəˈbɛsk/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in arabesque?
Arabesque has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (BESK). Broken into parts: ar · uh · BESK.
Do Americans and Brits say arabesque the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˌærəˈbɛsk/ and the British form is /ˌærəˈbɛsk/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.