How to pronounce hookah
Say it like HOO-kuh. Hookah has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (HOO).
- HOO
- kuh
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Hookah pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- HOOSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "oo" in food.
- kuhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of hookah
American and British speakers say hookah in essentially the same way: /ˈhukə/ in the US and /ˈhʊkə/ in the UK.
British respelling: HUUK-uh.
What does hookah mean?
- A pipe with a long flexible tube that draws the smoke through water, traditionally used for smoking tobacco, which is often flavored.
- A tankless surface air compressor pump and umbilical piping system that supplies air to a diving mask.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with hookah
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of hookah.
Questions about saying hookah
How do you pronounce hookah?
Say HOO-kuh. The American pronunciation is /ˈhukə/. In British English it is /ˈhʊkə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in hookah?
Hookah has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (HOO). Broken into parts: HOO · kuh.
Do Americans and Brits say hookah the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈhukə/ and the British form is /ˈhʊkə/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.