How to pronounce vertebrae
Say it like VUR-tuh-bray. Vertebrae has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (VUR).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce vertebrae. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- VUR
- tuh
- bray
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Vertebrae pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- VURSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ur" in nurse.
- tuhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- brayGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
American vs British pronunciation of vertebrae
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: VUR-tuh-bray.
What does vertebrae mean?
- plural of vertebra; the bones that make up the spinal column. How to pronounce vertebra
Questions about saying vertebrae
How do you pronounce vertebrae?
Say VUR-tuh-bray. The American pronunciation is /ˈvɝtəˌbreɪ/. In British English it is /ˈvɜːtəˌbreɪ/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in vertebrae?
Vertebrae has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (VUR). Broken into parts: VUR · tuh · bray.
Is vertebrae 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 /ˈvɜːtəˌbreɪ/ (VUR-tuh-bray).