How to pronounce barracuda
Say it like ber-uh-KOO-duh. Barracuda has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (KOO).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce barracuda. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- ber
- uh
- KOO
- duh
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Barracuda pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- berGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- KOOSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "oo" in food.
- duhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of barracuda
American and British speakers say barracuda in essentially the same way: /ˌbɛrəˈkudə/ in the US and /ˌbærəˈkuːdə/ in the UK.
British respelling: bar-uh-KOO-duh.
What does barracuda mean?
- Any large marine fish of the genus Sphyraena that have elongated bodies, a projecting lower jaw, displaying prominent fang-shaped teeth, and are aggressive predators.
- One who uses harsh or predatory means to compete.
Where does barracuda come from?
First attested in the 1670s, from Latin American Spanish barracuda, perhaps from a Cariban word.
Questions about saying barracuda
How do you pronounce barracuda?
Say ber-uh-KOO-duh. The American pronunciation is /ˌbɛrəˈkudə/. In British English it is /ˌbærəˈkuːdə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in barracuda?
Barracuda has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (KOO). Broken into parts: ber · uh · KOO · duh.
Do Americans and Brits say barracuda the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˌbɛrəˈkudə/ and the British form is /ˌbærəˈkuːdə/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.