How to pronounce nocturn
Say it like NOK-turn. Nocturn has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (NOK).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce nocturn. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- NOK
- turn
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Nocturn pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- NOKSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- turnGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "ur" in nurse.
American vs British pronunciation of nocturn
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
British respelling: NOK-turn.
What does nocturn mean?
- The night office of the Christian liturgy of the Hours, such as is performed in monasteries.
- A portion of the psalter used during nocturns.
Where does nocturn come from?
From Middle English nocturne, borrowed from Medieval Latin nocturna, noun use of the feminine form of Latin nocturnus (“nocturnal, of the night”), derived from nox (“night”).
Words that rhyme with nocturn
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of nocturn.
Words that sound like nocturn
Questions about saying nocturn
How do you pronounce nocturn?
Say NOK-turn. The American pronunciation is /ˈnɑkˌtɝn/. In British English it is /ˈnɒktɜːn/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in nocturn?
Nocturn has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (NOK). Broken into parts: NOK · turn.
Is nocturn 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 /ˈnɒktɜːn/ (NOK-turn).
What words sound the same as nocturn?
Nocturn sounds the same as nocturne in American English. The spelling and meaning are what tell them apart.