How to pronounce contraband
Say it like KAHN-truh-band. Contraband has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KAHN).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce contraband. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- KAHN
- truh
- band
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Contraband pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- KAHNSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- truhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- bandGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
American vs British pronunciation of contraband
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
British respelling: KON-truh-band.
What does contraband mean?
- Prohibited from being traded.
- Any goods which are illicit or illegal to possess.
- Goods which are prohibited from being traded, smuggled goods.
Where does contraband come from?
From Spanish contrabanda (modern spelling contrabando), from Italian contrabando (modern spelling contrabbando), from contra (“against”) + bando (“ban”), and reinforced by French contrebande.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying contraband
How do you pronounce contraband?
Say KAHN-truh-band. The American pronunciation is /ˈkɑntrəˌbænd/. In British English it is /ˈkɒntrəˌbænd/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in contraband?
Contraband has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KAHN). Broken into parts: KAHN · truh · band.
Is contraband 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 /ˈkɒntrəˌbænd/ (KON-truh-band).