One syllable: coke.
kohk
/koʊk/
coke is pronounced kohk (/koʊk/). It has one syllable (coke), with the stress on "coke". Coke is a trademarked brand name for a carbonated, cola-flavored soft drink. In general usage, the term can also refer to cola beverages, but as a proper noun it denotes the specific brand. The word is monosyllabic and commonly appears in casual speech, advertising, and product labeling, with pronunciation that aligns to typical /koʊk/ or /koʊk/ patterns in English.
Coke is a trademarked brand name for a carbonated, cola-flavored soft drink. In general usage, the term can also refer to cola beverages, but as a proper noun it denotes the specific brand. The word is monosyllabic and commonly appears in casual speech, advertising, and product labeling, with pronunciation that aligns to typical /koʊk/ or /koʊk/ patterns in English.
- Mispronounce the /oʊ/ as a pure /o/ or /ɒ/ vowel, resulting in /koːk/ or /kɒk/. Correct by maintaining a true diphthong, starting with mid/back rounded vowel and gliding to a higher mid position. - Final /k/ not released or left unreleased in rapid speech; this creates /koʊ/ or /koʊɡ/ by mistake. Practice with hold-and-release: /koʊk/ at medium speed, then release crisply. - Add an extra schwa after the diphthong in some environments ( /koʊ.k/ ); avoid any added vowel. - Tense lip rounding or over-gesturing the vowel can distort the /oʊ/; keep a natural mouth shape, not like 'coat' or 'coat-uh'.
"I ordered a Coke with ice at the restaurant."
"The Can of Coke is chilled and ready to drink."
"She said Coke tastes sweeter than Pepsi."
You pronounce it as /koʊk/ in US and UK conventions, with a stressed monosyllable that starts with a /k/ stop, followed by the /oʊ/ diphthong and ending with /k/. Mouth positions: the lips start rounded for the /oʊ/ and finish tightly released for the final /k/. In connected speech, it often sounds like /koʊk/ with a clean, quick release; keep the /oʊ/ rounded and avoid adding extra vowel weight after the final consonant. IPA: US /koʊk/, UK /kəʊk/, AU /koʊk/.”,
Common mistakes include mispronouncing the /oʊ/ as a short /ɒ/ or /ɔ/ vowel, leading to a more British-influenced ’cawk’ sound, and adding an extra vowel before the final /k/, like /koʊək/. Another error is not releasing the final /k/ clearly in rapid speech. Correct these by ensuring a clean, single /oʊ/ glide and a strong, final /k/ release: say /koʊk/, with the jaw lowering a bit for the diphthong and finishing with a crisp /k/.
In US and AU, /koʊk/ with rhoticity not typically affecting this word; the vowel is a clear /oʊ/ diphthong. In UK varieties (Received Pronunciation), you’ll hear /kəʊk/ with the long, rounded /əʊ/ vowel, and the /k/ is released without additional vowel. Australians tend toward /koʊk/ with a slightly more lax or centralized vowel in some speakers, but generally similar to US. The main difference lies in the first vowel: /oʊ/ (US/AU) vs /əʊ/ (UK).
The challenge is not the consonant cluster, but the diphthong /oʊ/ that can shift in different accents. You must coordinate lip rounding, jaw lowering, and tongue position to glide smoothly from /o/ to /ʊ/ without inserting an extra vowel or weakening the final /k/. In some dialects, the final /k/ can be unreleased in fast speech, making the word sound like /koʊ/; ensure a crisp release for a complete /koʊk/.
Coke is a monosyllable with primary stress on the single syllable. There’s no secondary stress. The feature to watch is the diphthong /oʊ/ and a clean final /k/. In connected speech, some speakers may tart the vowel slightly or reduce it when fast, but careful articulation keeps /koʊk/ clear. Also, avoid leading with an aspirated /h/ or extra vowel after the /k/—the final consonant should be released crisply.
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US: /koʊk/ with a clear, rounded /oʊ/ and a strong /k/ release. UK: /kəʊk/ uses /əʊ/ (neutral starting vowel) and often a crisper /k/ release. AU: /koʊk/ similar to US, but some speakers may show a slightly centralized starting position and more relaxed jaw. Vowel quality differences: US/AU tend toward a closer /oʊ/ vs UK’s /əʊ/; rhoticity is generally not a factor for this word, but overall accent can influence vowel length and rounding. IPA references: US /koʊk/, UK /kəʊk/, AU /koʊk/.
Coke derives from Coca-Cola, the flagship product launched in 1886 by John Stith Pemberton in Atlanta. The brand’s name combines two key ingredients: coca leaves (coca) and kola nuts (kola), reflecting early flavorings and local product marketing. The shortened, informal usage coke emerged in English-speaking regions as a convenient, single-word shorthand for Coca-Cola or cola beverages in general, especially in North American contexts. The term’s morphing into generic speech occurred alongside pervasive advertising and retail culture, where consumers referred to “a Coke” rather than the full brand name. Over time, the word cemented its identity as a widely recognized soft drink label and a casual, informal token for cola beverages in many English dialects. First known usage of Coca-Cola dates to 1886; “Coke” as a standalone form appeared in American conversations in the early 20th century, joining the brand’s vernacular life and becoming a staple in everyday lexicon. Today, “Coke” functions both as a brand-specific label and as a colloquial shorthand for cola drinks, retaining strong cultural associations with the beverage worldwide.
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Words that rhyme with "coke"
-oke sounds
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