2 syllables: col, our. Stress on col.
KUHL-ur
/ˈkʌlɚ/
colour is pronounced KUHL-ur (/ˈkʌlɚ/). It has two syllables (col-our), with the stress on "col". Colour refers to the perceptual attribute of things that results from the spectrum of light they reflect or transmit, typically described in terms of hue, saturation, and brightness. It is also used metaphorically to describe appearance, mood, or quality. The term is common in everyday language and science, with spelling variation between regions that reflects historical development of the word.
Colour refers to the perceptual attribute of things that results from the spectrum of light they reflect or transmit, typically described in terms of hue, saturation, and brightness. It is also used metaphorically to describe appearance, mood, or quality. The term is common in everyday language and science, with spelling variation between regions that reflects historical development of the word.
- Common pronunciation pitfalls include not fully releasing the /l/ and letting the vowel in the second syllable overly lengthen (you might hear /ˈkʌlˌoʊr/ in American speech). - Another frequent error is ignoring the schwa in the second syllable, making it sound like 'col-ore' (/ˈkoʊr/). - Some speakers over-articulate the final vowel, producing /ˈkʌlˌoʊ.ɚ/; aim for a short, relaxed /ə/ or /ɚ/ depending on accent. To adjust, practice tiny, quick lip relaxations and a crisp initial /k/ + /l/ blend.
"The colour of the sunset shifted from pink to orange."
"In design, colour theory guides harmony and contrast."
"She chose a bold colour for the feature wall."
You say /ˈkʌl.ər/ in US practice and /ˈkʌl.ə/ in many UK contexts; in Australian speech you’ll often hear /ˈkʌl.ə/. The first syllable is stressed and rhymes with 'dull,' the second is a reduced schwa or mid-central vowel. Tongue sits low-mid in the mouth, lips relaxed. Try saying 'cull' + 'er' quickly. Audio references can be checked on Forvo and dictionaries.
Common mistakes include pronouncing the second syllable with a full vowel (/oʊ/ or /oː/) instead of a reduced schwa, and not stressing the first syllable fully, making it sound like 'col-our' with equal stress. Another pitfall is conflating the British /ˈkʌlə/ with American American /ˈkʌlɚ/ by flattening the r in non-rhotic contexts. Focus on a clean /ˈkʌl.ə/ or /ˈkʌl.ər/ with a short, quick second syllable.
US: rhotic accent with /ˈkʌl.ɚ/ (final 'r' pronounced). UK: non-rhotic/weak-r, often /ˈkʌlə/ or /ˈkɒlə/ depending on dialect, with a more open back vowel; AU: typically /ˈkʌlə/ with non-rhotic tendencies and vowel quality leaning toward /ʌ/ in first syllable. Overall, vowel quality and r-coloring distinguish the accents, while the basic two-syllable structure remains. IPA references align with regional conventions.
Two key challenges: the final schwa can be subtle and easily reduced too much or omitted in rapid speech, changing the perceived word. The first syllable carries primary stress, but the subtle second syllable requires a quick, relaxed vowel. US speakers must manage rhotic vs non-rhotic endings, UK speakers must control a lighter, unstressed second vowel. Achieving a balanced, two-syllable flow with a clear initial consonant cluster (/k/ + /l/) is essential.
No, the letters c-o-l-o-u-r form a two-syllable word with all letters contributing to sound segments in spray-free speech. The 'ou' sequence produces the /ə/ or /ɚ/ sound in many dialects, sometimes sounding almost like a single relaxed vowel. The 'l' is clearly articulated after /k/ in careful speech and is not typically silent in standard varieties; the only possible silent aspect is a highly reduced, barely audible second vowel in fast, casual speech.
🗣️ Voice search tip: These questions are optimized for voice search. Try asking your voice assistant any of these questions about "colour"!
- US: emphasize rhotic final /ɚ/ with a clear, relaxed tongue tip and slight retroflexion; keep the second syllable short and centralized. - UK: maintain non-rhoticity; ensure the second syllable uses a reduced vowel, typically /ə/, and avoid adding a pronounced 'r' sound; keep the first syllable crisp. - AU: similar to UK but with slightly broader vowels; the second syllable remains reduced; keep a relaxed jaw and lip posture. Refer to IPA /ˈkʌlə/ (UK/AU) and /ˈkʌɚ/ (US) for precise targets.
Colour originates from the Old French couleur, related to colour in Middle English, ultimately from a Latin root color, coloris meaning ‘color, pigment.’ The Latin color את, and the Proto-Italic *coloros reflect the idea of pigment or hue. The Old French term was used since around the 12th century and entered English with the Norman influence, evolving into the modern forms colour (British) and color (American) as spelling diverged in the 16th–18th centuries. Over time, the word broadened from literal pigment to metaphorical uses (colour of voice, colour of mood), and in science, it became essential in optics, with Isaac Newton’s experiments prompting a precise connection between spectral wavelengths and perceived colour. The distinction between colour and color also aligns with regional spelling standards, while the semantic range expanded to include digital color spaces in modern technology.
💡 Etymology tip: Understanding word origins can help you remember pronunciation patterns and recognize related words in the same language family.
Help others use "colour" correctly by contributing grammar tips, common mistakes, and context guidance.
💡 These words have similar meanings to "colour" and can often be used interchangeably.
🔄 These words have opposite meanings to "colour" and show contrast in usage.
📚 Vocabulary tip: Learning synonyms and antonyms helps you understand nuanced differences in meaning and improves your word choice in speaking and writing.
Words that rhyme with "colour"
-our sounds
Practice with these rhyming pairs to improve your pronunciation consistency:
🎵 Rhyme tip: Practicing with rhyming words helps you master similar sound patterns and improves your overall pronunciation accuracy.
