How to pronounce rockabilly
Say it like RAH-kuh-bil-ee. Rockabilly has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (RAH).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce rockabilly. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- RAH
- kuh
- bil
- ee
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Rockabilly pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- RAHSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- kuhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- bilGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- eeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of rockabilly
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
British respelling: ROK-uh-bil-ee.
What does rockabilly mean?
- A genre of music originating from the South (United States) and mixing elements of rock, blues, country, hillbilly boogie and bluegrass music.
- A member of the subculture associated with rockabilly music.
Where does rockabilly come from?
Blend of rock + hillbilly.
Questions about saying rockabilly
How do you pronounce rockabilly?
Say RAH-kuh-bil-ee. The American pronunciation is /ˈrɑkəˌbɪli/. In British English it is /ˈrɒkəˌbɪli/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in rockabilly?
Rockabilly has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (RAH). Broken into parts: RAH · kuh · bil · ee.
Is rockabilly 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 /ˈrɒkəˌbɪli/ (ROK-uh-bil-ee).