How to pronounce oxymoron
Say it like ok-see-MOR-on. Oxymoron has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (MOR).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce oxymoron. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- ok
- see
- MOR
- on
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Oxymoron pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- okGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- seeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
- MORSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "aw" in law.
- onKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
American vs British pronunciation of oxymoron
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
British respelling: ok-sih-MAW-ron.
What does oxymoron mean?
- A figure of speech in which two words or phrases with opposing meanings are used together intentionally for effect.
- A contradiction in terms.
Where does oxymoron come from?
First attested in the 17th century, noun use of 5th century Latin oxymōrum (adjective), neut.
Words that rhyme with oxymoron
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of oxymoron.
Questions about saying oxymoron
How do you pronounce oxymoron?
Say ok-see-MOR-on. The American pronunciation is /ˌɑksiˈmɔrɑn/. In British English it is /ɒksɪˈmɔːrɒn/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in oxymoron?
Oxymoron has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (MOR). Broken into parts: ok · see · MOR · on.
Is oxymoron pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English. The British form is /ɒksɪˈmɔːrɒn/ (ok-sih-MAW-ron).