How to pronounce carbuncle
Say it like KAR-buhng-kul. Carbuncle has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KAR).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce carbuncle. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- KAR
- buhng
- kul
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Carbuncle pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- KARSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- buhngGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "u" in cup.
- kulKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of carbuncle
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: KAH-bung-kul.
What does carbuncle mean?
- A charge or bearing supposed to represent the precious stone, with eight skeptres or staves radiating from a common center; an escarbuncle.
- An abscess larger than a boil, usually with one or more openings draining pus onto the skin. It is usually caused by staphylococcal infection.
- An unpopular or ugly building; an eyesore.
Where does carbuncle come from?
From Middle English carbuncle, charbocle, from Old French carbuncle, charbuncle, from Latin carbunculus (“a small coal; a reddish kind of precious stone; a kind of tumor”), diminutive of carbō (“a coal, charcoal”).
Questions about saying carbuncle
How do you pronounce carbuncle?
Say KAR-buhng-kul. The American pronunciation is /ˈkɑrˌbʌŋkəl/. In British English it is /ˈkɑːbʌŋkəl/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in carbuncle?
Carbuncle has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KAR). Broken into parts: KAR · buhng · kul.
Is carbuncle pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /ˈkɑːbʌŋkəl/ (KAH-bung-kul).