How to pronounce molecule
Say it like MOL-uh-kyool. Molecule has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (MOL).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce molecule. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- MOL
- uh
- kyool
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Molecule pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- MOLSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- kyoolGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "oo" in food.
American vs British pronunciation of molecule
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
British respelling: MOL-ih-kyool.
What does molecule mean?
- (physics and chemistry) the simplest structural unit of an element or compound
- (nontechnical usage) a tiny piece of anything
Where does molecule come from?
Borrowed from French molécule, from New Latin molecula (“a molecule”), diminutive of Latin moles (“a mass”).
Questions about saying molecule
How do you pronounce molecule?
Say MOL-uh-kyool. The American pronunciation is /ˈmɑləˌkjul/. In British English it is /ˈmɒlɪˌkjuːl/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in molecule?
Molecule has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (MOL). Broken into parts: MOL · uh · kyool.
Is molecule 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 /ˈmɒlɪˌkjuːl/ (MOL-ih-kyool).