How to pronounce spelunker
Say it like spuh-LUHNG-ker. Spelunker has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (LUHNG).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce spelunker. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- spuh
- LUHNG
- ker
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Spelunker 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.
- LUHNGSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "u" in cup.
- kerKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of spelunker
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: spuh-LUHNG-kuh.
What does spelunker mean?
- One who explores caves; one who spelunks.
Where does spelunker come from?
From then-obsolete spelunk (noun) + -er.
Words that rhyme with spelunker
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of spelunker.
Questions about saying spelunker
How do you pronounce spelunker?
Say spuh-LUHNG-ker. The American pronunciation is /spəˈlʌŋkɚ/. In British English it is /spəˈlʌŋkə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in spelunker?
Spelunker has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (LUHNG). Broken into parts: spuh · LUHNG · ker.
Is spelunker pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /spəˈlʌŋkə/ (spuh-LUHNG-kuh).