How to pronounce torpedo
Say it like tor-PEE-doh. Torpedo has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (PEE).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce torpedo. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- tor
- PEE
- doh
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Torpedo pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- torKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "aw" in law.
- PEESay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
- dohGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "o" in go.
American vs British pronunciation of torpedo
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
- The long o starts further forward in British English, closer to "uh-oo" than the American "oh".
British respelling: taw-PEE-doh.
What does torpedo mean?
- An electric ray of the genus Torpedo.
- A cylindrical explosive projectile that can travel quickly underwater and is used as a weapon.
- A similar projectile that can travel through space.
- To strike (a ship) with one or more torpedoes.
- To sink (a ship) with one or more torpedoes.
- To undermine or destroy any endeavor with a powerful attack.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with torpedo
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of torpedo.
Questions about saying torpedo
How do you pronounce torpedo?
Say tor-PEE-doh. The American pronunciation is /tɔrˈpiˌdoʊ/. In British English it is /tɔːˈpiːdəʊ/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in torpedo?
Torpedo has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (PEE). Broken into parts: tor · PEE · doh.
Is torpedo 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 /tɔːˈpiːdəʊ/ (taw-PEE-doh).