How to pronounce gnu
Say it like NOO. Gnu is a single syllable, so the whole word carries the stress.
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce gnu. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- NOO
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Gnu pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- NOOSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "oo" in food.
American vs British pronunciation of gnu
- British speakers add a light "y" sound before the "oo" (as in "tyoon" for tune).
British respelling: NYOO.
What does gnu mean?
- A large antelope of the genus Connochaetes, native to Africa, having curved horns.
Where does gnu come from?
From Dutch gnoe, from Khoekhoe ǃnu:, of unknown origin, likely onomatopoeic of the grunt-type noise of the gnu.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with gnu
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of gnu.
Words that sound like gnu
Questions about saying gnu
How do you pronounce gnu?
Say NOO. The American pronunciation is /nu/. In British English it is /njuː/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in gnu?
Gnu is a single syllable, so the whole word carries the stress. Broken into parts: NOO.
Is gnu pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. British speakers add a light "y" sound before the "oo" (as in "tyoon" for tune). The British form is /njuː/ (NYOO).
What words sound the same as gnu?
Gnu sounds the same as new, nu in American English. The spelling and meaning are what tell them apart.