How to pronounce vertigo
Say it like VUR-tih-goh. Vertigo has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (VUR).
VoiceSpeed
US American/ˈvɝtɪˌɡoʊ/VUR-tih-goh
UK British/ˈvɜːtɪˌɡəʊ/VUR-tih-goh
- VUR
- tih
- goh
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Vertigo 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.
- tihKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- gohGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "o" in go.
American vs British pronunciation of vertigo
- 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".
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: VUR-tih-goh.
What does vertigo mean?
noun
- A sensation of whirling and loss of balance, caused by looking down from a great height or by disease affecting the inner ear.
- A disordered or imbalanced state of mind or things analogous to physical vertigo; mental giddiness or dizziness.
- The act of whirling round and round; rapid rotation.
Where does vertigo come from?
Borrowed from Latin vertīgō.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
- dizziness
- giddiness
- lightheadedness
Questions about saying vertigo
How do you pronounce vertigo?
Say VUR-tih-goh. The American pronunciation is /ˈvɝtɪˌɡoʊ/. In British English it is /ˈvɜːtɪˌɡəʊ/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in vertigo?
Vertigo has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (VUR). Broken into parts: VUR · tih · goh.
Is vertigo 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 /ˈvɜːtɪˌɡəʊ/ (VUR-tih-goh).