How to pronounce nucleus
Say it like NOO-klee-us. Nucleus has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (NOO).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce nucleus. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- NOO
- klee
- us
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Nucleus 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.
- usKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of nucleus
- British speakers add a light "y" sound before the "oo" (as in "tyoon" for tune).
British respelling: NYOO-klee-us.
What does nucleus mean?
- a part of the cell containing DNA and RNA and responsible for growth and reproduction
- the positively charged dense center of an atom
- a small group of indispensable persons or things“five periodicals make up the core of their publishing program”
Where does nucleus come from?
Learned borrowing from Latin nucleus (“kernel, core”).
Questions about saying nucleus
How do you pronounce nucleus?
Say NOO-klee-us. The American pronunciation is /ˈnukliəs/. In British English it is /ˈnjuːkliəs/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in nucleus?
Nucleus has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (NOO). Broken into parts: NOO · klee · us.
Is nucleus pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. British speakers add a light "y" sound before the "oo" (as in "tyoon" for tune). The British form is /ˈnjuːkliəs/ (NYOO-klee-us).