How to pronounce runabout
Say it like RUHN-uh-bowt. Runabout has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (RUHN).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce runabout. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- RUHN
- uh
- bowt
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Runabout pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- RUHNSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "u" in cup.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- bowtGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "ow" in now.
American vs British pronunciation of runabout
American and British speakers say runabout in essentially the same way: /ˈrʌnəˌbaʊt/ in the US and /ˈrʌnəˌbaʊt/ in the UK.
British respelling: RUHN-uh-bowt.
What does runabout mean?
- Any of several small vehicles, especially a small motor car for use on short journeys.
- A motor car having a single row of seats.
- A small, relatively maneuverable spacecraft or shuttlecraft.
Where does runabout come from?
Deverbal from run about.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying runabout
How do you pronounce runabout?
Say RUHN-uh-bowt. The American pronunciation is /ˈrʌnəˌbaʊt/. In British English it is /ˈrʌnəˌbaʊt/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in runabout?
Runabout has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (RUHN). Broken into parts: RUHN · uh · bowt.
Do Americans and Brits say runabout the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈrʌnəˌbaʊt/ and the British form is /ˈrʌnəˌbaʊt/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.