How to pronounce phosphorus
Say it like FOS-fuh-rus. Phosphorus has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (FOS).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce phosphorus. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- FOS
- fuh
- rus
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Phosphorus pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- FOSSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- fuhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- rusKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of phosphorus
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
British respelling: FOS-fuh-rus.
What does phosphorus mean?
- A chemical element (symbol P) with an atomic number of 15, that exists in several allotropic forms.
- An atom of this element.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
- p
Words that rhyme with phosphorus
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of phosphorus.
Words that sound like phosphorus
Questions about saying phosphorus
How do you pronounce phosphorus?
Say FOS-fuh-rus. The American pronunciation is /ˈfɑsfərəs/. In British English it is /ˈfɒsfərəs/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in phosphorus?
Phosphorus has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (FOS). Broken into parts: FOS · fuh · rus.
Is phosphorus 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 /ˈfɒsfərəs/ (FOS-fuh-rus).
What words sound the same as phosphorus?
Phosphorus sounds the same as phosphorous in American English. The spelling and meaning are what tell them apart.