How to pronounce tuba
Say it like TOO-buh. Tuba has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (TOO).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce tuba. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- TOO
- buh
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Tuba pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- TOOSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "oo" in food.
- buhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of tuba
- British speakers add a light "y" sound before the "oo" (as in "tyoon" for tune).
British respelling: TYOO-buh.
What does tuba mean?
- A large brass musical instrument, usually in the bass range, played through a vibration of the lips upon the mouthpiece and fingering of the keys.
- A large reed stop in organs.
- A tube or tubular organ.
- A type of Roman military trumpet, distinct from the modern tuba.
- A Malayan plant whose roots are a significant source of rotenone, Derris malaccensis.
Where does tuba come from?
Borrowed in the 19th century from French tuba (“tuba”), German Tuba (“tuba”), originally Baß-Tuba (literally “bass tuba”), or Italian tuba (“tuba”), from Latin tuba (“tube, trumpet, military trumpet”).
Words that rhyme with tuba
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of tuba.
Questions about saying tuba
How do you pronounce tuba?
Say TOO-buh. The American pronunciation is /ˈtubə/. In British English it is /ˈtjuːbə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in tuba?
Tuba has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (TOO). Broken into parts: TOO · buh.
Is tuba 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 /ˈtjuːbə/ (TYOO-buh).