How to pronounce nuclear
Say it like NOO-klee-er. Nuclear has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (NOO).
- NOO
- klee
- er
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Tip: 'NOO-klee-er'. Avoid 'NOO-kyuh-ler'.
Nuclear pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- NOOSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "oo" in food.
- kleeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
- erKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of nuclear
- American English uses 3 syllables and British English 2.
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
- British speakers add a light "y" sound before the "oo" (as in "tyoon" for tune).
British respelling: NYOO-kleer.
What does nuclear mean?
- Pertaining to the nucleus of an atom.
- Involving energy released by nuclear reactions (fission, fusion, radioactive decay).“a nuclear reactor”
- Relating to a weapon that derives its force from rapid release of energy through nuclear reactions.“a nuclear explosion”
- Nuclear power.
- Nuclear weapon
Where does nuclear come from?
From Latin nū̆cleus, a contraction of the adjective nuculeus, masculine of feminine nuculea (“pertaining to a small nut”) from nucula + adjectival suffix -eus, -ea, -eum.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Opposite meaning
Questions about saying nuclear
How do you pronounce nuclear?
Say NOO-klee-er. The American pronunciation is /ˈnukliɚ/. In British English it is /ˈnjuːklɪə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in nuclear?
Nuclear has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (NOO). Broken into parts: NOO · klee · er.
Is nuclear pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. American English uses 3 syllables and British English 2. The British form is /ˈnjuːklɪə/ (NYOO-kleer).