2 syllables: Cy, clops. Stress on Cy.
SEYE-klawps
/ˈsaɪˌklɔps/
Cyclops is pronounced SEYE-klawps (/ˈsaɪˌklɔps/). It has two syllables (Cy-clops), with the stress on "Cy". Cyclops is a plural noun referring to one-eyed mythical giants who possess a single eye in the center of their forehead. In modern usage, the term can describe any creature or figure with a prominent single eye, or metaphorically, someone who oversees with a singular, focused gaze. The word emphasizes a distinctive, unified eye, often linked to mythic or fantastical imagery.
nounCyclops is a plural noun referring to one-eyed mythical giants who possess a single eye in the center of their forehead. In modern usage, the term can describe any creature or figure with a prominent single eye, or metaphorically, someone who oversees with a singular, focused gaze. The word emphasizes a distinctive, unified eye, often linked to mythic or fantastical imagery.
"The ancient Cyclops in the story forged thunderbolts for the gods."
"In some sci-fi settings, a Cyclops-like sentry patrolled the perimeter with an unblinking, watchful eye."
"The scientist wore a Cyclops-themed mask for the lab’s safety drill, drawing attention to careful observation."
Pronounce as /ˈsaɪ.lɒps/. Stress falls on the first syllable: CY-clops. You’ll start with a long “i” as in ‘sigh,’ followed by an unstressed “lops” with the short o sound as in ‘lot.’ Ensure the final -s is pronounced, not silent. Audio references: Cambridge and Oxford provide clear examples; you can also listen to native speakers via Forvo or YouGlish to hear the two-syllable rhythm.
Common missteps include misplacing the vowel in the first syllable (treating it as a short i like in ‘sit’) and softening the /ɒ/ to a schwa. Aim for a clear /aɪ/ in the first syllable and a compact /ɒ/ in the second; avoid crowding the /l/ or turning the second syllable into /ləps/. Also ensure the final /ps/ cluster is released cleanly rather than venturing into /s/ only.
In US, UK, and AU accents, the initial /ˈsaɪ/ remains similar, but rhoticity affects the following vowel quality and the /l/ might be slightly darker in some UK and AU speakers. The /ɒ/ can range from a broad open back vowel in British speakers to a more centralized US variant in certain regions; Australians often have a rounded, open front vowel leading into /ɒ/. Generally, the word remains two syllables with stress on the first.
Difficulties stem from the two adjacent syllables with distinct vowels and the /ps/ onset blend at the end. The transition from the vowel /ɒ/ to the voiceless bilabial /p/ followed by /s/ can be tricky for non-native speakers due to a short release and breath control. Practicing the exact tongue position for the /l/ and the crisp release of /ps/ helps maintain the word’s tight, two-syllable rhythm.
Cyclops has a distinctive vowel pair: prolonged /aɪ/ followed by a short, rounded /ɒ/. A frequent question is whether to voice the final /s/ or let it be a voiceless s; the standard is a clear voiceless /s/ after /p/ in /ps/ cluster. Keep the tongue near the alveolar ridge for the /s/ while not delaying the release of /p/. This pamphlet-style cue helps ensure the word lands with the expected two-beat rhythm.
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The word Cyclops comes from Ancient Greek Κύκλωψ (Kyklōps). It is formed from two roots: κύκλος (kyklos) meaning ‘circle’ or ‘ring’ and ὤψ (ōps) meaning ‘eye’ or ‘face’. The earliest Greek myths describe three Cyclopes—Brontes, Steropes, and Arges—as gigantic, one-eyed smiths who forged thunderbolts for Zeus. The term entered Latin as Cyclops and then into English by the early modern period, retaining the sense of a singular central eye and colossal stature. The myth reinforced stereotypes of primitive, awe-inspiring beings associated with cave-dwelling and raw strength, while later literature expanded the usage to describe any creature with a single eye or a person with a piercing, “single-focus” gaze. In contemporary usage, Cyclops is also employed in science fiction and fantasy to denote a character or device with a dominant, monocular vision or surveillance capability. First known use in English appears in translations and adaptations of Greek myth texts during the 16th to 17th centuries, with ongoing presence in literary and pop-cultural contexts since then.
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💡 These words have similar meanings to "Cyclops" and can often be used interchangeably.
🔄 These words have opposite meanings to "Cyclops" and show contrast in usage.
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Words that rhyme with "Cyclops"
-ops sounds
Practice with these rhyming pairs to improve your pronunciation consistency:
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