How to pronounce Timbuktu
Say it like tim-buk-TOO. Timbuktu has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (TOO).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce Timbuktu. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- tim
- buk
- TOO
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Timbuktu pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- timGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- bukKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- TOOSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "oo" in food.
American vs British pronunciation of Timbuktu
- British speakers add a light "y" sound before the "oo" (as in "tyoon" for tune).
British respelling: tim-buk-TYOO.
What does Timbuktu mean?
- a city in central Mali near the Niger river; formerly famous for its gold trade
Words that rhyme with Timbuktu
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of Timbuktu.
Questions about saying Timbuktu
How do you pronounce Timbuktu?
Say tim-buk-TOO. The American pronunciation is /ˌtɪmbəkˈtu/. In British English it is /ˌtɪmbəkˈtjuː/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in Timbuktu?
Timbuktu has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (TOO). Broken into parts: tim · buk · TOO.
Is Timbuktu pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. British speakers add a light "y" sound before the "oo" (as in "tyoon" for tune). The British form is /ˌtɪmbəkˈtjuː/ (tim-buk-TYOO).