How to pronounce colophon
Say it like KOL-uh-fon. Colophon has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KOL).
VoiceSpeed
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce colophon. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
US American/ˈkɑləˌfɑn/KOL-uh-fon
UK British/ˈkɒləfən/KOL-uh-fun
- KOL
- uh
- fon
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Colophon pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- KOLSay 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.
- fonGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
American vs British pronunciation of colophon
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
British respelling: KOL-uh-fun.
What does colophon mean?
noun
- In manuscripts (typically before the invention of printing), the note, usually at the end, left by the scribe who copied it, giving information on his exemplar, where and when the copy was made, and sometimes, his own name.
- An inscription found at the end of, or interspersed with the contents of, Chinese paintings or scrolls, usually left by later literati, appreciators, or collectors.
- A printer's or publisher's identifying inscription or logo appearing at the front or end of a book, or the same appearing on the spine or dust jacket.
Questions about saying colophon
How do you pronounce colophon?
Say KOL-uh-fon. The American pronunciation is /ˈkɑləˌfɑn/. In British English it is /ˈkɒləfən/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in colophon?
Colophon has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KOL). Broken into parts: KOL · uh · fon.
Is colophon 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 /ˈkɒləfən/ (KOL-uh-fun).