How to pronounce backup
Say it like BAK-uhp. Backup has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (BAK).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce backup. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- BAK
- uhp
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Backup pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- BAKSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
- uhpGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "u" in cup.
American vs British pronunciation of backup
American and British speakers say backup in essentially the same way: /ˈbæˌkʌp/ in the US and /ˈbæˌkʌp/ in the UK.
British respelling: BAK-uhp.
What does backup mean?
- an accumulation caused by clogging or a stoppage“a traffic backup on the main street”“he discovered a backup in the toilet”
- someone who takes the place of another (as when things get dangerous or difficult)“the star had a stand-in for dangerous scenes”“we need extra employees for summer fill-ins”
- a musical part (vocal or instrumental) that supports or provides background for other musical parts
Where does backup come from?
Deverbal from back up.
Questions about saying backup
How do you pronounce backup?
Say BAK-uhp. The American pronunciation is /ˈbæˌkʌp/. In British English it is /ˈbæˌkʌp/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in backup?
Backup has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (BAK). Broken into parts: BAK · uhp.
Do Americans and Brits say backup the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈbæˌkʌp/ and the British form is /ˈbæˌkʌp/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.