How to pronounce couple
Say it like KUHP-ul. Couple has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KUHP).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce couple. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- KUHP
- ul
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Couple pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- KUHPSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "u" in cup.
- ulKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of couple
American and British speakers say couple in essentially the same way: /ˈkʌpəl/ in the US and /ˈkʌpəl/ in the UK.
British respelling: KUHP-ul.
What does couple mean?
- a pair who associate with one another“the engaged couple”“an inseparable twosome”
- a pair of people who live together“a married couple from Chicago”
- a small indefinite number“he's coming for a couple of days”
- bring two objects, ideas, or people together“This fact is coupled to the other one”“Matchmaker, can you match my daughter with a nice young man?”
- link together“can we couple these proposals?”
- form a pair or pairs“The two old friends paired off”
Where does couple come from?
From Middle English couple, from Old French couple, from Latin cōpula.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with couple
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of couple.
Questions about saying couple
How do you pronounce couple?
Say KUHP-ul. The American pronunciation is /ˈkʌpəl/. In British English it is /ˈkʌpəl/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in couple?
Couple has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KUHP). Broken into parts: KUHP · ul.
Do Americans and Brits say couple the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈkʌpəl/ and the British form is /ˈkʌpəl/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.