How to pronounce Rubicon
Say it like ROO-buh-kon. Rubicon has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (ROO).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce Rubicon. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- ROO
- buh
- kon
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Rubicon pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- ROOSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "oo" in food.
- buhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- konGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
American vs British pronunciation of Rubicon
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
British respelling: ROO-bih-kon.
What does Rubicon mean?
- the boundary in ancient times between Italy and Gaul; Caesar's crossing it with his army in 49 BC was an act of war
- a line that when crossed permits of no return and typically results in irrevocable commitment
Where does Rubicon come from?
The verb is derived from the noun.
Questions about saying Rubicon
How do you pronounce Rubicon?
Say ROO-buh-kon. The American pronunciation is /ˈrubəˌkɑn/. In British English it is /ˈruːbɪkɒn/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in Rubicon?
Rubicon has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (ROO). Broken into parts: ROO · buh · kon.
Is Rubicon 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 /ˈruːbɪkɒn/ (ROO-bih-kon).