How to pronounce cottontail
Say it like KAH-tun-tayl. Cottontail has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KAH).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce cottontail. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- KAH
- tun
- tayl
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Cottontail pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- KAHSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- tunKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- taylKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
American vs British pronunciation of cottontail
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: KOT-un-tayl.
What does cottontail mean?
- A rabbit of any of various species in genus Sylvilagus.
- A person with a tanned body and untanned buttocks, resembling a cottontail rabbit's dark fur and light tail.
Where does cottontail come from?
From cotton + tail.
Questions about saying cottontail
How do you pronounce cottontail?
Say KAH-tun-tayl. The American pronunciation is /ˈkɑtənteɪl/. In British English it is /ˈkɒtənteɪl/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in cottontail?
Cottontail has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KAH). Broken into parts: KAH · tun · tayl.
Is cottontail 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 /ˈkɒtənteɪl/ (KOT-un-tayl).