How to pronounce taboo
Say it like ta-BOO. Taboo has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (BOO).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce taboo. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- ta
- BOO
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Taboo pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- taKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
- BOOSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "oo" in food.
American vs British pronunciation of taboo
American and British speakers say taboo in essentially the same way: /tæˈbu/ in the US and /təˈbuː/ in the UK.
British respelling: tuh-BOO.
What does taboo mean?
- Excluded or forbidden from use, approach or mention.“Incest is a taboo subject in most soap operas.”
- Culturally forbidden.
- An inhibition or ban that results from social custom or emotional aversion.
- Something which may not be used, approached or mentioned because it is sacred.
- To mark as taboo.
- To ban or prohibit.
- To avoid.
Where does taboo come from?
The p in the Tongan source was misheard as b.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with taboo
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of taboo.
Questions about saying taboo
How do you pronounce taboo?
Say ta-BOO. The American pronunciation is /tæˈbu/. In British English it is /təˈbuː/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in taboo?
Taboo has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (BOO). Broken into parts: ta · BOO.
Do Americans and Brits say taboo the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /tæˈbu/ and the British form is /təˈbuː/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.