How to pronounce spelunk
Say it like spuh-LUHNGK. Spelunk has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (LUHNGK).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce spelunk. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- spuh
- LUHNGK
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Spelunk pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- spuhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- LUHNGKSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "u" in cup.
American vs British pronunciation of spelunk
American and British speakers say spelunk in essentially the same way: /spəˈlʌŋk/ in the US and /spəˈlʌŋk/ in the UK.
British respelling: spuh-LUHNGK.
What does spelunk mean?
- To explore caves.
- To explore a system in depth.
Where does spelunk come from?
U.S., 1940s. Back-formation from spelunker.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with spelunk
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of spelunk.
Questions about saying spelunk
How do you pronounce spelunk?
Say spuh-LUHNGK. The American pronunciation is /spəˈlʌŋk/. In British English it is /spəˈlʌŋk/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in spelunk?
Spelunk has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (LUHNGK). Broken into parts: spuh · LUHNGK.
Do Americans and Brits say spelunk the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /spəˈlʌŋk/ and the British form is /spəˈlʌŋk/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.