How to pronounce turncoat
Say it like TURN-koht. Turncoat has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (TURN).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce turncoat. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- TURN
- koht
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Turncoat pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- TURNSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ur" in nurse.
- kohtKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "o" in go.
American vs British pronunciation of turncoat
- 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: TUHN-koht.
What does turncoat mean?
- A traitor; one who turns against a previous affiliation or allegiance.
- To act as a turncoat; to betray
Where does turncoat come from?
A compound of turn + coat, reportedly derived from the sometime military practice of wearing uniform coats that were lined in material of a contrasting color, and which could be worn inside out to present a different appearance.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying turncoat
How do you pronounce turncoat?
Say TURN-koht. The American pronunciation is /ˈtɝnkoʊt/. In British English it is /ˈtənkəʊt/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in turncoat?
Turncoat has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (TURN). Broken into parts: TURN · koht.
Is turncoat 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 /ˈtənkəʊt/ (TUHN-koht).