2 syllables: Cau, cus. Stress on Cau.
KAW-kuhs
/ˈkɔkəs/
Caucus is pronounced KAW-kuhs (/ˈkɔkəs/). It has two syllables (Cau-cus), with the stress on "Cau". Caucus is a noun referring to a meeting of supporters or members of a political party or faction, usually to select candidates or decide on policy. It can also denote a group of people united for a common interest. The term is often associated with partisan activities and organizing within a legislative or political context.
nounCaucus is a noun referring to a meeting of supporters or members of a political party or faction, usually to select candidates or decide on policy. It can also denote a group of people united for a common interest. The term is often associated with partisan activities and organizing within a legislative or political context.
How to Pronounce Caucus
"The party held a caucus to choose its nominee."
"State legislatures may convene a caucus to discuss strategic priorities."
"She organized a caucus of volunteers to plan outreach."
Pronounce with stress on the first syllable: /ˈkɔː.kəs/. The first syllable makes an open-back rounded vowel like the 'aw' in 'law', then a schwa for the second syllable, and final 's' as /s/. In careful speech you hear two syllables: KAW-kuss. If you’re listening to fast political commentary, you may hear 'KAW-kus' with a subtle reduction on the second vowel.
Common errors include turning the first syllable into 'ka' as in 'cat' (/kæ/), or pronouncing the second syllable as a full 'us' (/juːs/). The correct first vowel is the open back /ɔː/ (like 'law'), not a short /æ/ or /ɑ/. Another pitfall is reducing the second syllable to an unstressed /ə/ without proper vowel quality. Focus on two clear syllables: /ˈkɔː.kəs/.
In US/UK/AU, the initial /ɔː/ is similar in all, with rhoticity affecting only rhotic accents in some speech. The main difference is in vowel length and consonant clarity; UK speakers may produce a slightly more clipped /ˈkɔː.kəs/ with less voice on the final consonant, while US and AU speakers keep final /s/ crisp and the /ɔː/ length more pronounced. All three generally maintain two syllables with /kɔː/ + /kəs/.
The challenge centers on the mid-back rounded vowel /ɔː/ in the first syllable and the reduced final /əs/ in fast speech. Many non-native speakers struggle with transitioning from /k/ to /ɔː/ and then to the unstressed /kəs/ without adding an extra vowel. Also, the sibilant /s/ at the end can blend with the preceding /k/; keeping the final /s/ crisp is crucial. Practice the two consonant clusters and the vowel quality separately before blending into natural speech.
Yes, the word features a tense open-mid back vowel /ɔː/ in the first syllable and a short, unstressed second syllable /kəs/. The two-syllable structure with a clear onset /k/ in each syllable creates a distinct KAW-kuss rhythm. When pluralized to caucuses, the pronunciation shifts to /ˈkɔː.kə.sɪz/, adding a short /ɪ/ before the final /z/. Awareness of syllable boundaries helps maintain clarity.
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Caucus derives from the Algonquian word Caucau, found in early colonial usage, adopted by American political discourse in the 18th century. The exact origin is disputed, but the term is widely linked to meetings of colonists or members of a faction to discuss policies and nominate delegates. Some suggest it was first recorded in 1770s Boston where local groups organized caucuses to decide on political action. Over time, prominence grew as party organizations formalized caucuses into procedural gatherings with defined rules for selecting candidates or shaping platforms. The word's pronunciation and spelling stabilized as Caucus, and it entered broader use in U.S. political commentary through media coverage of party strategies. Modern usage emphasizes internal party coordination and candidate selection rather than public forums. The historical evolution reflects pratique of insider groups coordinating early on during campaigns and legislative sessions, then expanding into national party operations. The etymology underscores a contested, negotiative process central to political organization.
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💡 These words have similar meanings to "Caucus" and can often be used interchangeably.
🔄 These words have opposite meanings to "Caucus" and show contrast in usage.
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Words that rhyme with "Caucus"
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