How to pronounce hoarseness
Say it like HORS-nus. Hoarseness has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (HORS).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce hoarseness. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- HORS
- nus
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Hoarseness pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- HORSSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "aw" in law.
- nusKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of hoarseness
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: HAWS-nus.
What does hoarseness mean?
- The quality of being hoarse, of having a dry harsh voice.“The hoarseness of her voice was caused by years of smoking.”
Where does hoarseness come from?
From Middle English hosnesse, from Old English hāsnes; equivalent to hoarse + -ness.
Questions about saying hoarseness
How do you pronounce hoarseness?
Say HORS-nus. The American pronunciation is /ˈhɔrsnəs/. In British English it is /ˈhɔːsnəs/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in hoarseness?
Hoarseness has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (HORS). Broken into parts: HORS · nus.
Is hoarseness 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 /ˈhɔːsnəs/ (HAWS-nus).