How to pronounce platypus
Say it like PLAT-ih-puus. Platypus has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (PLAT).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce platypus. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- PLAT
- ih
- puus
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Platypus pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- PLATSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
- ihKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- puusGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "oo" in book.
American vs British pronunciation of platypus
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: PLAT-ih-pus.
What does platypus mean?
- A semiaquatic monotreme from eastern Australia with a bill resembling that of a duck, that has a mole-like body, a tail resembling that of a beaver, a waterproof pelt, and flat webbed feet (Ornithorhynchus anatinus).
Questions about saying platypus
How do you pronounce platypus?
Say PLAT-ih-puus. The American pronunciation is /ˈplætɪˌpʊs/. In British English it is /ˈplætɪpəs/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in platypus?
Platypus has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (PLAT). Broken into parts: PLAT · ih · puus.
Is platypus pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t. The British form is /ˈplætɪpəs/ (PLAT-ih-pus).