How to pronounce intercourse
Say it like IN-ter-kors. Intercourse has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (IN).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce intercourse. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- IN
- ter
- kors
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Intercourse pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- INSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- terKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
- korsGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "aw" in law.
American vs British pronunciation of intercourse
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: IN-tuh-kaws.
What does intercourse mean?
- communication between individuals
Where does intercourse come from?
From Old French entrecours, from Late Latin intercursus.
Questions about saying intercourse
How do you pronounce intercourse?
Say IN-ter-kors. The American pronunciation is /ˈɪntɚˌkɔrs/. In British English it is /ˈɪntəˌkɔːs/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in intercourse?
Intercourse has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (IN). Broken into parts: IN · ter · kors.
Is intercourse 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 /ˈɪntəˌkɔːs/ (IN-tuh-kaws).