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How to pronounce Unicorn

How to Pronounce "Unicorn"

Definition: How to say "Unicorn" and use it in a sentence

Phonetic Spelling:

ˈyo͞onəˌkôrn – pronounced as YOO-nuh-korn

How to say "Unicorn" correctly

Understanding the meanings of Unicorn.

  • A mythical animal typically represented as a horse with a single straight horn projecting from its forehead.
  • Something that is highly desirable but difficult to find or obtain.
  • A startup company valued at more than a billion dollars, typically in the software or technology sector.
  • A heraldic representation of a unicorn, typically shown as a horse with a lion's tail and with a long horn.
  • A large pink and white spiral seashell.

Using Unicorn correctly with these examples:

  • The unicorn is a legendary creature that has been described since antiquity.
  • Finding a truly honest person these days is like finding a unicorn.
  • The tech startup became a unicorn after securing a massive round of funding.
  • The family crest featured a unicorn standing on its hind legs.
  • She collected seashells, but her favorite was the unicorn.

Nearby words to Unicorn:

Unicellular, Unicycle, Unicameral, Unidirectional, Unilateral, Unify, Unique, Unison, Union, Unit,

Synonyms for Unicorn

Mythical creature, Legendary beast, Magical horse, Enchanted being, Fabled animal, Rare find, Elusive dream, Tech unicorn, Billion-dollar startup, Mystical equine,

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How you can improve your pronunciation

Here are a couple of techniques that should help you perfect your pronunciation of ‘Unicorn‘:

  • Try to Break down ‘Unicorn’ into each vowel, say it out loud whilst exaggerating each sound until you can consistently repeat it without mistakes.
  • Record ‘Unicorn‘ in full sentences and then listen back. You’ll be able to find all of your flaws very easily.
  • Look up more videos on Youtube for how to pronounce ‘Unicorn‘ accurately.
  • Choose one accent: when you mix multiple accents, it could confuse people, and not just beginners, so select just one accent, perhaps US and master that one first.


More ideas to boost your English pronunciation skills, it’s advised to learn these techniques:

Practicing speech contraction in speech is standard in the U.S. and is seen as a regular element of casual conversation. For example, altering “what are you going to do this weekend” to “what you gonna do this weekend” is commonplace. Explore terms like ‘gonna’ and ‘wanna’ for further understanding.

Improving your intonation is essential for English fluency. The ways you use stress, rhythm, and pitch in English are crucial in communicating your intended message and emotions. Many resources and videos on Youtube can help you in mastering these components to pronounce ‘Unicorn’.

Engage with multiple Youtube channels dedicated to English learning. These platforms offer free resources that tackle important language skills. Pronounce.tv is an additional outstanding source for honing your pronunciation.

Copying native speakers can markedly improve your pronunciation. Listen to how they pronounce ‘Unicorn’ and attempt to replicate the tone, speed, and rhythm in your speech, making it a part of your routine.

Incorporate phonetic exercises into your daily routine. Understanding and practicing the phonetic sounds of English can help you better pronounce ‘Unicorn’.

Regularly use English in your daily conversations. The more you speak, the more adept you’ll become with the nuances of pronunciation and accent, improving your overall ability to communicate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do we say a unicorn and not an unicorn?

The reason we say “a unicorn” instead of “an unicorn” has to do with the pronunciation of the word. When we say “unicorn,” the initial sound is a glide [j] phonetically, which has consonantal properties. Even though it starts with a vowel letter ‘u,’ the actual sound is a consonant. In English grammar, we use “a” before words that begin with a consonant sound and “an” before words that begin with a vowel sound. Since the pronunciation of “unicorn” starts with a consonant sound, we use “a” instead of “an” before it. This rule helps to maintain the flow and clarity of speech when using articles before nouns.

Is there a standard international pronunciation for the word ‘unicorn’?

Yes, there is a standard international pronunciation for the word “unicorn.” The word is typically pronounced as “YOO-ni-korn” in English. This pronunciation is widely accepted and used across different English-speaking countries. However, it is important to note that pronunciation can vary slightly based on regional accents and dialects. In other languages, such as French or Spanish, the pronunciation may differ, but the standard English pronunciation is generally understood and recognized worldwide.

What letter/sound in the word ‘unicorn’ is the most commonly mispronounced?

The most commonly mispronounced letter/sound in the word “unicorn” is the vowel sound represented by the letter “i.” Many people incorrectly pronounce it as a long “i” sound, like in the word “pine,” when it should actually be pronounced as a short “i” sound, like in the word “pin.” The correct pronunciation of “unicorn” is “YOO-ni-korn,” with the emphasis on the first syllable and the short “i” sound in the second syllable. It is important to pay attention to the vowel sounds in words to ensure accurate pronunciation.

Is the pronunciation of ‘unicorn’ the same in British and American English?

The pronunciation of ‘unicorn’ in British and American English is generally the same. Both accents typically pronounce the word as “YOO-ni-korn,” with the stress on the second syllable. However, there may be slight variations in pronunciation due to regional accents or dialects within each country. Overall, the pronunciation of ‘unicorn’ is consistent between British and American English, making it easily recognizable and understandable in both dialects.

Do dialects within England pronounce the word ‘unicorn’ differently?

Yes, dialects within England may pronounce the word “unicorn” differently. The pronunciation of words can vary significantly across different regions and dialects within the country. For example, in some regions, the word “unicorn” may be pronounced with a shorter ‘i’ sound, while in others it may be pronounced with a longer ‘i’ sound. Additionally, differences in accent and regional dialects can also influence the pronunciation of words like “unicorn.” It is important to note that these variations in pronunciation are a natural part of language diversity and can add richness and depth to the linguistic landscape of a country like England.

What are the various ways to correctly emphasize the syllables in the word ‘unicorn’?

The word “unicorn” is a three-syllable word with the stress pattern of un-i-corn. The primary stress falls on the second syllable “i”, which is pronounced with a higher pitch, longer duration, and louder volume compared to the other syllables. To correctly emphasize the syllables in “unicorn,” you can say the word with a slightly stronger emphasis on the second syllable “i” followed by equal stress on the first and last syllables. Practicing the word slowly and paying attention to the stress pattern can help in correctly emphasizing the syllables. Additionally, using hand gestures or tapping on a surface while saying the word can also aid in emphasizing the stressed syllable.

What is a unicorn in English?

In English, a unicorn is a mythical creature often depicted as a white horse with a single, spiraling horn protruding from its forehead. This fantastical being has been a part of folklore and mythology for centuries, symbolizing purity, grace, and magic. Unicorns are commonly associated with themes of innocence, beauty, and enchantment. Throughout history, unicorns have been portrayed in various ways, but their most recognizable characteristics are their horse-like appearance and the iconic horn on their head. The concept of unicorns continues to capture the imagination of people around the world, appearing in literature, art, and popular culture as a symbol of wonder and mystery.

How do you say unicorn in British?

In British English, the word “unicorn” is pronounced the same way as in American English. The pronunciation of “unicorn” is typically /ˈjuːnɪkɔːn/, with the stress on the first syllable. The “u” is pronounced as in “you,” the “i” as in “sit,” and the “corn” as in “cornfield.” The word retains the same spelling and pronunciation in both British and American English.

How do you say unicorn in America?

In America, the word “unicorn” is pronounced as “YOO-nuh-kawn.” To break it down phonetically, you can divide the word into three syllables: “YOO” for the first syllable, “nuh” for the second syllable, and “kawn” for the third syllable. When saying it out loud, it’s important to enunciate each syllable clearly to pronounce it correctly.

In which English accent is the word ‘unicorn’ pronounced with the emphasis on the first syllable?

The English accent in which the word “unicorn” is pronounced with the emphasis on the first syllable is typically the Received Pronunciation (RP) accent. RP is often associated with the dialect of Southern England and is commonly heard in formal settings, such as the British broadcasting media. In this accent, emphasis is placed on the first syllable of words like “unicorn,” where the “uni” syllable is stressed more than the “corn” syllable. However, it’s important to note that accents can vary widely within English-speaking countries, so other accents may also place emphasis on the first syllable of “unicorn” depending on regional dialects and individual speech patterns.

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