How to pronounce ticklish
Say it like TIK-uh-lish. Ticklish has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (TIK).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce ticklish. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- TIK
- uh
- lish
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Ticklish pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- TIKSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- lishKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of ticklish
American and British speakers say ticklish in essentially the same way: /ˈtɪkəlɪʃ/ in the US and /ˈtɪkəlɪʃ/ in the UK.
British respelling: TIK-uh-lish.
What does ticklish mean?
- Sensitive or susceptible to being tickled.“She is ticklish only on her tummy and the bottoms of her feet.”
- Touchy, sensitive, or delicate.
Where does ticklish come from?
From tickle + -ish.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying ticklish
How do you pronounce ticklish?
Say TIK-uh-lish. The American pronunciation is /ˈtɪkəlɪʃ/. In British English it is /ˈtɪkəlɪʃ/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in ticklish?
Ticklish has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (TIK). Broken into parts: TIK · uh · lish.
Do Americans and Brits say ticklish the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈtɪkəlɪʃ/ and the British form is /ˈtɪkəlɪʃ/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.