How to pronounce pectoral
Say it like pek-TOH-rul. Pectoral has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (TOH).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce pectoral. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- pek
- TOH
- rul
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Pectoral pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- pekKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- TOHSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "o" in go.
- rulKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of pectoral
- The long o starts further forward in British English, closer to "uh-oo" than the American "oh".
British respelling: pek-TOH-rul.
What does pectoral mean?
- A pectoral fin.
- Protective armor for a horse's breast.
- A covering or protection for the breast.
- Of or pertaining to the breast, or chest.“the pectoral muscles”
- Relating to, or good for, diseases of the chest or lungs.
- Having the breast conspicuously colored.“the pectoral sandpiper”
Where does pectoral come from?
All senses are ultimately from Latin pectorālis, but some may have come through Old French and Middle English.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying pectoral
How do you pronounce pectoral?
Say pek-TOH-rul. The American pronunciation is /pɛkˈtoʊrəl/. In British English it is /pɛkˈtəʊrəl/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in pectoral?
Pectoral has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (TOH). Broken into parts: pek · TOH · rul.
Is pectoral 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 /pɛkˈtəʊrəl/ (pek-TOH-rul).