How to pronounce bodkin
Say it like BOD-kin. Bodkin has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (BOD).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce bodkin. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- BOD
- kin
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Bodkin pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- BODSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- kinKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of bodkin
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
British respelling: BOD-kin.
What does bodkin mean?
- A small sharp pointed tool for making holes in cloth or leather.
- A blunt needle used for threading ribbon or cord through a hem or casing.
- A hairpin.
- Closely wedged between two people.“to sit bodkin”
Where does bodkin come from?
From Middle English boydekin (“dagger”), apparently from *boyde, *boide (of unknown [Celtic?] origin) + -kin.
Questions about saying bodkin
How do you pronounce bodkin?
Say BOD-kin. The American pronunciation is /ˈbɑdkɪn/. In British English it is /ˈbɒdkɪn/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in bodkin?
Bodkin has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (BOD). Broken into parts: BOD · kin.
Is bodkin pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English. The British form is /ˈbɒdkɪn/ (BOD-kin).