How to pronounce virtuoso
Say it like vur-choo-OH-soh. Virtuoso has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (OH).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce virtuoso. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- vur
- choo
- OH
- soh
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Virtuoso pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- vurGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "ur" in nurse.
- chooKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "oo" in food.
- OHSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "o" in go.
- sohKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "o" in go.
American vs British pronunciation of virtuoso
- 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: vur-choo-OH-soh.
What does virtuoso mean?
- Someone with special skill or knowledge; an expert.
- Specifically, a musician (or other performer) with masterly ability, technique, or personal style.
- Exhibiting the ability of a virtuoso.
Where does virtuoso come from?
Borrowed from Italian virtuoso, from Late Latin virtuōsus (“virtuous”), from Latin virtus (“excellence”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying virtuoso
How do you pronounce virtuoso?
Say vur-choo-OH-soh. The American pronunciation is /ˌvɝtʃuˈoʊsoʊ/. In British English it is /ˌvɝtʃuˈəʊsəʊ/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in virtuoso?
Virtuoso has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (OH). Broken into parts: vur · choo · OH · soh.
Is virtuoso 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 /ˌvɝtʃuˈəʊsəʊ/ (vur-choo-OH-soh).