How to pronounce cocktail
Say it like KOK-tayl. Cocktail has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KOK).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce cocktail. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- KOK
- tayl
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Cocktail pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- KOKSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- taylGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
American vs British pronunciation of cocktail
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
British respelling: KOK-tayl.
What does cocktail mean?
- a short mixed drink
- an appetizer served as a first course at a meal
Where does cocktail come from?
Early 17th century, from cock (“male bird”) + tail, in the sense “(a horse with its) tail standing up, like a cock’s”.
Questions about saying cocktail
How do you pronounce cocktail?
Say KOK-tayl. The American pronunciation is /ˈkɑkˌteɪl/. In British English it is /ˈkɒkˌteɪl/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in cocktail?
Cocktail has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KOK). Broken into parts: KOK · tayl.
Is cocktail 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 /ˈkɒkˌteɪl/ (KOK-tayl).