How to pronounce compound
Say it like KOM-pownd. Compound has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KOM).
- KOM
- pownd
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Compound pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- KOMSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- powndKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ow" in now.
American vs British pronunciation of compound
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
British respelling: KOM-pownd.
Other ways to say compound
Compound also has this pronunciation, usually with a different meaning or use:
- kum-POWND /kəmˈpaʊnd/
What does compound mean?
- An enclosure within which workers, prisoners, or soldiers are confined.
- An enclosure for secure storage.
- A group of buildings situated close together, e.g. for a school or block of offices.
- Composed of elements; not simple.“a compound word”
- Dealing with numbers of various denominations of quantity, or with processes more complex than the simple process.“compound addition”
- An octave higher than originally (i.e. a compound major second is equivalent to a major ninth).
- Anything made by combining several things.
- A substance formed by chemical bonding of two or more elements in definite proportions by weight.
- A substance made from any combination of ingredients.
Where does compound come from?
Possibly from Malay kampong, kampung (“group of buildings, village”), via Dutch or Portuguese, altered under the influence of Etymology 2.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Opposite meaning
Questions about saying compound
How do you pronounce compound?
Say KOM-pownd. The American pronunciation is /ˈkɑmpaʊnd/. In British English it is /ˈkɒmpaʊnd/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in compound?
Compound has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KOM). Broken into parts: KOM · pownd.
Is compound 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 /ˈkɒmpaʊnd/ (KOM-pownd).