How to pronounce knockabout
Say it like NAH-kuh-bowt. Knockabout has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (NAH).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce knockabout. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- NAH
- kuh
- bowt
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Knockabout pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- NAHSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- kuhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- bowtGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "ow" in now.
American vs British pronunciation of knockabout
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
British respelling: NOK-uh-bowt.
What does knockabout mean?
- Boisterous
- Suitable for rough use.“I have a knockabout cello for non-concert gigs.”
- Clothing suitable for rough use.
- A worker habitually engaged in casual employment.
- A person living in rough, violent conditions.
Where does knockabout come from?
Deverbal from knock about.
Questions about saying knockabout
How do you pronounce knockabout?
Say NAH-kuh-bowt. The American pronunciation is /ˈnɑkəˌbaʊt/. In British English it is /ˈnɒkəˌbaʊt/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in knockabout?
Knockabout has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (NAH). Broken into parts: NAH · kuh · bowt.
Is knockabout pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English. The British form is /ˈnɒkəˌbaʊt/ (NOK-uh-bowt).