How to pronounce ovary
Say it like OH-vuh-ree. Ovary has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (OH).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce ovary. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- OH
- vuh
- ree
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Ovary pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- OHSay 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.
- reeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of ovary
- The long o starts further forward in British English, closer to "uh-oo" than the American "oh".
British respelling: OH-vuh-ree.
What does ovary mean?
- A female reproductive organ, often paired, that produces ova in most animals, and in mammals, secretes the hormones estrogen and progesterone.“The male testicles are homologous to the female ovaries.”
- The lower part of a pistil or carpel that bears ovules and ripens into fruit.
Where does ovary come from?
From New Latin ovarium, from Medieval Latin ovaria (“bird ovary”), from Latin ovum (“egg”).
Questions about saying ovary
How do you pronounce ovary?
Say OH-vuh-ree. The American pronunciation is /ˈoʊvəri/. In British English it is /ˈəʊvəri/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in ovary?
Ovary has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (OH). Broken into parts: OH · vuh · ree.
Is ovary 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 /ˈəʊvəri/ (OH-vuh-ree).