How to pronounce topless
Say it like TOP-lus. Topless has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (TOP).
VoiceSpeed
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce topless. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
US American/ˈtɑpləs/TOP-lus
UK British/ˈtɒplɪs/TOP-lis
- TOP
- lus
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Topless pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- TOPSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- lusKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of topless
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
British respelling: TOP-lis.
What does topless mean?
adjective
- Lacking a top.“The sight-seeing bus is topless to allow tourists a better view of the sights.”
- Very high; towering.
- Not wearing a garment covering the top half of the body; naked from the waist up.“The council voted to allow topless swimmers on the beach.”
- Not wearing any clothes on the upper body.
- A convertible car having the top retracted or otherwise open.
Where does topless come from?
From top + -less.
Similar and opposite words
Opposite meaning
Questions about saying topless
How do you pronounce topless?
Say TOP-lus. The American pronunciation is /ˈtɑpləs/. In British English it is /ˈtɒplɪs/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in topless?
Topless has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (TOP). Broken into parts: TOP · lus.
Is topless 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 /ˈtɒplɪs/ (TOP-lis).