How to pronounce handcuffs
Say it like HAND-kuhfs. Handcuffs has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (HAND).
VoiceSpeed
Click the play button next to American to hear how to pronounce handcuffs. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
US American/ˈhændˌkʌfs/HAND-kuhfs
UK BritishNo British transcription yet. The audio still plays in this accent.
- HAND
- kuhfs
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Handcuffs pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- HANDSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
- kuhfsGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "u" in cup.
What does handcuffs mean?
noun
- A fastening consisting of two metal rings, designed to go around a person's wrists, and connected by a chain or hinge.
- Any abstract constraint, such as rules, regulations, or lack of resources.“They complained that their rules of engagement were handcuffs that guaranteed counterproductivity.”
- plural of handcuff How to pronounce handcuff
- third-person singular simple present indicative of handcuff How to pronounce handcuff
Where does handcuffs come from?
Possibly influenced by Old English handcops, from hand + cops (“fetter, chains”), but due to lack of continuity (centuries between Old English and modern term), generally analyzed as a re-invention.
Questions about saying handcuffs
How do you pronounce handcuffs?
Say HAND-kuhfs. The American pronunciation is /ˈhændˌkʌfs/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in handcuffs?
Handcuffs has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (HAND). Broken into parts: HAND · kuhfs.