How to pronounce muscular
Say it like MUHS-kyuh-ler. Muscular has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (MUHS).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce muscular. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- MUHS
- kyuh
- ler
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Muscular pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- MUHSSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "u" in cup.
- kyuhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- lerKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of muscular
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: MUHS-kyuh-luh.
What does muscular mean?
- of or relating to or consisting of muscle“muscular contraction”
- having a robust muscular body-build characterized by predominance of structures (bone and muscle and connective tissue) developed from the embryonic mesodermal layer
- having or suggesting great physical power or force“the muscular and passionate Fifth Symphony”
Where does muscular come from?
Late 17th century; from muscle (Latin mūsculus) + -ar.
Questions about saying muscular
How do you pronounce muscular?
Say MUHS-kyuh-ler. The American pronunciation is /ˈmʌskjəlɚ/. In British English it is /ˈmʌskjʊlə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in muscular?
Muscular has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (MUHS). Broken into parts: MUHS · kyuh · ler.
Is muscular 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 /ˈmʌskjʊlə/ (MUHS-kyuh-luh).