How to pronounce explosion
Say it like ik-SPLOH-zhun. Explosion has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (SPLOH).
- ik
- SPLOH
- zhun
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Explosion 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.
- SPLOHSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "o" in go.
- zhunKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of explosion
- The long o starts further forward in British English, closer to "uh-oo" than the American "oh".
British respelling: ik-SPLOH-zhun.
What does explosion mean?
- A violent release of energy (sometimes mechanical, nuclear, or chemical); an act or instance of exploding.
- The sound of an explosion.
- A sudden, uncontrolled or rapid increase, expansion, or bursting out.
Where does explosion come from?
From French explosion, from Latin explōsiōnis, genitive form of explōsio, from explōdo (“to drive out by clapping”), from ex- and plōdo (“to clap or strike”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with explosion
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of explosion.
Questions about saying explosion
How do you pronounce explosion?
Say ik-SPLOH-zhun. The American pronunciation is /ɪkˈsploʊʒən/. In British English it is /ɪkˈspləʊʒən/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in explosion?
Explosion has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (SPLOH). Broken into parts: ik · SPLOH · zhun.
Is explosion 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 /ɪkˈspləʊʒən/ (ik-SPLOH-zhun).