How to pronounce balaclava
Say it like bal-uh-KLAH-vuh. Balaclava has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (KLAH).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce balaclava. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- bal
- uh
- KLAH
- vuh
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Balaclava pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- balGive 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.
- KLAHSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- vuhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of balaclava
- British speakers use the long "ah" vowel of father where Americans use the "a" of cat.
British respelling: bal-uh-KLAH-vuh.
What does balaclava mean?
- A type of warm headgear covering the neck, head, and often part of the face, with apertures left as necessary, often made out of wool.
- A ski mask with holes for the eyes and, sometimes, the nose and mouth, which may be rolled up and worn like a toque or pulled over the face for greater protection.
Words that rhyme with balaclava
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of balaclava.
Questions about saying balaclava
How do you pronounce balaclava?
Say bal-uh-KLAH-vuh. The American pronunciation is /ˌbæləˈklɑvə/. In British English it is /ˌbæləˈklɑːvə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in balaclava?
Balaclava has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (KLAH). Broken into parts: bal · uh · KLAH · vuh.
Is balaclava pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. British speakers use the long "ah" vowel of father where Americans use the "a" of cat. The British form is /ˌbæləˈklɑːvə/ (bal-uh-KLAH-vuh).