How to pronounce cologne
Say it like kuh-LOHN. Cologne has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (LOHN).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce cologne. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- kuh
- LOHN
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Cologne pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- kuhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- LOHNSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "o" in go.
American vs British pronunciation of cologne
- The long o starts further forward in British English, closer to "uh-oo" than the American "oh".
British respelling: kuh-LOHN.
What does cologne mean?
- a commercial center and river port in western Germany on the Rhine River; flourished during the 15th century as a member of the Hanseatic League
- a perfumed liquid made of essential oils and alcohol
Where does cologne come from?
Ellipsis of eau de Cologne (French eau de Cologne), the name given to the original product in 1709.
Words that rhyme with cologne
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of cologne.
Questions about saying cologne
How do you pronounce cologne?
Say kuh-LOHN. The American pronunciation is /kəˈloʊn/. In British English it is /kəˈləʊn/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in cologne?
Cologne has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (LOHN). Broken into parts: kuh · LOHN.
Is cologne pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. The long o starts further forward in British English, closer to "uh-oo" than the American "oh". The British form is /kəˈləʊn/ (kuh-LOHN).