How to pronounce proboscis
Say it like proh-BOS-kis. Proboscis has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (BOS).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce proboscis. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- proh
- BOS
- kis
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Proboscis pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- prohKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "o" in go.
- BOSSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- kisKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of proboscis
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
- The long o starts further forward in British English, closer to "uh-oo" than the American "oh".
British respelling: proh-BOS-kis.
What does proboscis mean?
- An elongated tube from the head or connected to the mouth, of an animal.
- The tubular feeding and sucking organ of certain invertebrates like insects, worms and molluscs.
- The trunk of an elephant.
Questions about saying proboscis
How do you pronounce proboscis?
Say proh-BOS-kis. The American pronunciation is /proʊˈbɑskɪs/. In British English it is /prəʊˈbɒskɪs/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in proboscis?
Proboscis has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (BOS). Broken into parts: proh · BOS · kis.
Is proboscis 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 /prəʊˈbɒskɪs/ (proh-BOS-kis).