How to pronounce botulism
Say it like BOCH-uh-liz-um. Botulism has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (BOCH).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce botulism. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- BOCH
- uh
- liz
- um
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Botulism pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- BOCHSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- lizGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- umKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of botulism
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
British respelling: BOT-yuu-lih-zum.
What does botulism mean?
- Poisoning caused by the toxin from Clostridium botulinum, an anaerobic bacterium that grows in improperly prepared food.
Where does botulism come from?
From German Botulismus, from Latin botulus (“sausage”), the first identified source of the disease, + -ism.
Questions about saying botulism
How do you pronounce botulism?
Say BOCH-uh-liz-um. The American pronunciation is /ˈbɑtʃəˌlɪzəm/. In British English it is /ˈbɒtjʊlɪzəm/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in botulism?
Botulism has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (BOCH). Broken into parts: BOCH · uh · liz · um.
Is botulism 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 /ˈbɒtjʊlɪzəm/ (BOT-yuu-lih-zum).