How to pronounce nova
Say it like NOH-vuh. Nova has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (NOH).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce nova. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- NOH
- vuh
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Nova pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- NOHSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "o" in go.
- vuhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of nova
- The long o starts further forward in British English, closer to "uh-oo" than the American "oh".
British respelling: NOH-vuh.
What does nova mean?
- a star that ejects some of its material in the form of a cloud and becomes more luminous in the process
Where does nova come from?
Feminine nominative singular of Latin novus (“new”).
Words that rhyme with nova
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of nova.
Questions about saying nova
How do you pronounce nova?
Say NOH-vuh. The American pronunciation is /ˈnoʊvə/. In British English it is /ˈnəʊvə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in nova?
Nova has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (NOH). Broken into parts: NOH · vuh.
Is nova pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. The long o starts further forward in British English, closer to "uh-oo" than the American "oh". The British form is /ˈnəʊvə/ (NOH-vuh).