How to pronounce forceps
Say it like FOR-seps. Forceps has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (FOR).
VoiceSpeed
US American/ˈfoʊrsɛps/FOR-seps
UK British/ˈfɔːsɛps/FAW-seps
- FOR
- seps
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Forceps pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- FORSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "o" in go.
- sepsKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
American vs British pronunciation of forceps
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: FAW-seps.
What does forceps mean?
noun
- An instrument used in surgery or medical procedures for grasping and holding objects, similar to tongs or pincers.
- A pair of appendages on the abdomen of some insects, such as earwigs, resembling the medical instrument.
Where does forceps come from?
Learned borrowing from Latin forceps.
Questions about saying forceps
How do you pronounce forceps?
Say FOR-seps. The American pronunciation is /ˈfoʊrsɛps/. In British English it is /ˈfɔːsɛps/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in forceps?
Forceps has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (FOR). Broken into parts: FOR · seps.
Is forceps pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /ˈfɔːsɛps/ (FAW-seps).