How to pronounce peekaboo
Say it like PEE-kuh-boo. Peekaboo has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (PEE).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce peekaboo. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- PEE
- kuh
- boo
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Peekaboo pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- PEESay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
- kuhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- booKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "oo" in food.
American vs British pronunciation of peekaboo
American and British speakers say peekaboo in essentially the same way: /ˈpikəbu/ in the US and /ˈpiːkəbuː/ in the UK.
British respelling: PEE-kuh-boo.
What does peekaboo mean?
- A game for a small child in which one covers one's face, then suddenly reveals it, saying "Boo!" or "Peekaboo!".
- With holes, slits or transparent fabric to reveal what is normally hidden.“The model was wearing a peekaboo swimsuit.”
- Being or using a style of boxing with the hands kept close to the face to defend it.
- To peep out.
Where does peekaboo come from?
From peek + -a- + boo.
Questions about saying peekaboo
How do you pronounce peekaboo?
Say PEE-kuh-boo. The American pronunciation is /ˈpikəbu/. In British English it is /ˈpiːkəbuː/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in peekaboo?
Peekaboo has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (PEE). Broken into parts: PEE · kuh · boo.
Do Americans and Brits say peekaboo the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈpikəbu/ and the British form is /ˈpiːkəbuː/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.