How to pronounce explode
Say it like ik-SPLOHD. Explode has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (SPLOHD).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce explode. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- ik
- SPLOHD
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Explode pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- ikKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- SPLOHDSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "o" in go.
American vs British pronunciation of explode
- The long o starts further forward in British English, closer to "uh-oo" than the American "oh".
British respelling: ik-SPLOHD.
What does explode mean?
- cause to burst with a violent release of energy“We exploded the nuclear bomb”
- burst outward, usually with noise“The champagne bottle exploded”
- show a violent emotional reaction“The boss exploded when he heard of the resignation of the secretary”
Where does explode come from?
First recorded around 1538, from the Latin verb explōdere (“drive out or off by clapping”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Opposite meaning
Words that rhyme with explode
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of explode.
Questions about saying explode
How do you pronounce explode?
Say ik-SPLOHD. The American pronunciation is /ɪkˈsploʊd/. In British English it is /ɪkˈspləʊd/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in explode?
Explode has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (SPLOHD). Broken into parts: ik · SPLOHD.
Is explode 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 /ɪkˈspləʊd/ (ik-SPLOHD).