How to pronounce thunderbox
Say it like THUHN-der-boks. Thunderbox has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (THUHN).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce thunderbox. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- THUHN
- der
- boks
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Thunderbox pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- THUHNSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "u" in cup.
- derKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
- boksGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
American vs British pronunciation of thunderbox
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
British respelling: THUHN-duh-boks.
What does thunderbox mean?
- A chamber pot enclosed in a box; a portable commode.
- Any lavatory or toilet, especially a rudimentary outdoor latrine or toilet, or an outhouse.
- A box of metal balls which is shaken to create a thunder sound effect.
Where does thunderbox come from?
From thunder + box. Senses 1 and 2 (“portable commode; any lavatory or toilet”) are probably because of the noises that may be made while defecating.
Questions about saying thunderbox
How do you pronounce thunderbox?
Say THUHN-der-boks. The American pronunciation is /ˈθʌndɚˌbɑks/. In British English it is /ˈθʌndəbɒks/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in thunderbox?
Thunderbox has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (THUHN). Broken into parts: THUHN · der · boks.
Is thunderbox 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 /ˈθʌndəbɒks/ (THUHN-duh-boks).