How to pronounce tinderbox
Say it like TIN-der-boks. Tinderbox has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (TIN).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce tinderbox. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- TIN
- der
- boks
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Tinderbox pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- TINSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- 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 tinderbox
- 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: TIN-duh-boks.
What does tinderbox mean?
- A place that is so dry and hot that there is danger of fire.
- A potentially dangerous situation.
Where does tinderbox come from?
From tinder + box, first use appears c.
Questions about saying tinderbox
How do you pronounce tinderbox?
Say TIN-der-boks. The American pronunciation is /ˈtɪndɚˌbɑks/. In British English it is /ˈtɪndəˌbɒks/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in tinderbox?
Tinderbox has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (TIN). Broken into parts: TIN · der · boks.
Is tinderbox 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 /ˈtɪndəˌbɒks/ (TIN-duh-boks).