How to pronounce terracotta
Say it like ter-uh-KOT-uh. Terracotta has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (KOT).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce terracotta. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- ter
- uh
- KOT
- uh
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Terracotta pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- terGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- KOTSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of terracotta
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: ter-uh-KOT-uh.
What does terracotta mean?
- A hard red-brown unglazed earthenware, used for pottery and building construction.
- A reddish brown color, like that of terra cotta.
- Of the color of terracotta.
Where does terracotta come from?
Borrowed from Italian terra (“earth”) + cotta (“baked”).
Words that rhyme with terracotta
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of terracotta.
Questions about saying terracotta
How do you pronounce terracotta?
Say ter-uh-KOT-uh. The American pronunciation is /ˌtɛrəˈkɑtə/. In British English it is /ˌtɛrəˈkɒtə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in terracotta?
Terracotta has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (KOT). Broken into parts: ter · uh · KOT · uh.
Is terracotta 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 /ˌtɛrəˈkɒtə/ (ter-uh-KOT-uh).