How to pronounce tortoise
Say it like TOR-tus. Tortoise has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (TOR).
VoiceSpeed
US American/ˈtɔrtəs/TOR-tus
UK British/ˈtɔːtəs/TAW-tus
- TOR
- tus
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Tortoise pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- TORSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "aw" in law.
- tusKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of tortoise
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: TAW-tus.
What does tortoise mean?
noun
- Any of various land-dwelling reptiles, of the family Testudinidae (chiefly Canada, US) or the order Testudines (chiefly UK, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, South Africa, India), whose body is enclosed in a shell (carapace plus plastron). The animal can withdraw its head and four legs partially into
- Synonym of cat (sense 11, a wheeled shelter)
Where does tortoise come from?
From Middle English tortuse, tortuce, tortuge, from Medieval Latin tortuca, of uncertain origin.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying tortoise
How do you pronounce tortoise?
Say TOR-tus. The American pronunciation is /ˈtɔrtəs/. In British English it is /ˈtɔːtəs/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in tortoise?
Tortoise has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (TOR). Broken into parts: TOR · tus.
Is tortoise 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 /ˈtɔːtəs/ (TAW-tus).