How to pronounce cactus
Say it like KAK-tus. Cactus has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KAK).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce cactus. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- KAK
- tus
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Cactus pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- KAKSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
- tusKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of cactus
American and British speakers say cactus in essentially the same way: /ˈkæktəs/ in the US and /ˈkæktəs/ in the UK.
British respelling: KAK-tus.
What does cactus mean?
- Any member of the family Cactaceae, a family of flowering New World succulent plants suited to a hot, semi-desert climate.
- Any succulent plant with a thick fleshy stem bearing spines but no leaves, such as euphorbs.
- A vivid green color inspired by the color of cacti.
- Non-functional, broken, exhausted, dead.
Words that rhyme with cactus
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of cactus.
Questions about saying cactus
How do you pronounce cactus?
Say KAK-tus. The American pronunciation is /ˈkæktəs/. In British English it is /ˈkæktəs/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in cactus?
Cactus has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KAK). Broken into parts: KAK · tus.
Do Americans and Brits say cactus the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈkæktəs/ and the British form is /ˈkæktəs/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.