How to pronounce crossbow
Say it like KRAWS-boh. Crossbow has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KRAWS).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce crossbow. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- KRAWS
- boh
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Crossbow pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- KRAWSSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "aw" in law.
- bohGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "o" in go.
American vs British pronunciation of crossbow
- The long o starts further forward in British English, closer to "uh-oo" than the American "oh".
British respelling: KROS-boh.
What does crossbow mean?
- A mechanized weapon, based on the bow and arrow, that shoots bolts.
- A portable ballista that can be held in the hand.
Where does crossbow come from?
From Middle English crosbowe, crossebowe, equivalent to cross + bow.
Questions about saying crossbow
How do you pronounce crossbow?
Say KRAWS-boh. The American pronunciation is /ˈkrɔsˌboʊ/. In British English it is /ˈkrɒsbəʊ/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in crossbow?
Crossbow has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KRAWS). Broken into parts: KRAWS · boh.
Is crossbow pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. The long o starts further forward in British English, closer to "uh-oo" than the American "oh". The British form is /ˈkrɒsbəʊ/ (KROS-boh).