3 syllables: glo, bu, lar. Stress on glo.
GLAH-byuh-lur
/ˈɡlɑbjəlɚ/
globular is pronounced GLAH-byuh-lur (/ˈɡlɑbjəlɚ/). It has three syllables (glo-bu-lar), with the stress on "glo". Globular describes something that is shaped like a globe or sphere, typically spherically curved or rounded in form. It is often used in scientific contexts to denote a roughly spherical object or cluster, such as globular proteins or globular clusters in astronomy. The term emphasizes a rounded, globe-like geometry rather than elongated shapes.
Globular describes something that is shaped like a globe or sphere, typically spherically curved or rounded in form. It is often used in scientific contexts to denote a roughly spherical object or cluster, such as globular proteins or globular clusters in astronomy. The term emphasizes a rounded, globe-like geometry rather than elongated shapes.
"The globular balloon hovered above the stadium, reflecting the sun’s light in all directions."
"Researchers studied the globular clusters to understand stellar formation."
"The globular protein adopts a compact, rounded structure essential for its function."
Pronounce as /ˈɡlɒb.jə.lər/ in UK/US and /ˈɡloʊ.bjələr/ in some US transcriptions; the primary stress is on GLOb-, with a short o in US/UK. Break it into three syllables: glob- ular. Start with the rounded /ɡl/ blend, then the /ɒ/ or /loʊ/ vowel, followed by /bjə/ and a final /lɚ/ or /lər/ depending on accent. Make the second syllable light and quick, to keep the crisp, globe-like feel.
Common errors: misplacing stress (e.g., /ˈglɔː.bər.lə/), mispronouncing the second syllable as a strong ‘u’ (/ˈɡloʊ.bjʊ.lɚ/), or flattening the /bj/ cluster. Correction: keep the /ˈɡlɒb/ initial as a tight, rounded onset, then release into a light /jə/ before the rhotic /lɚ/ or /lər/. Practice with slow pronunciation to ensure the /bj/ sequence is clear, not merged into a single vowel.
In US: /ˈɡlɑː.bjʊ.lɚ/ or /ˈɡlɑː.bjələr/, rhotacized final. In UK: /ˈɡlɒb.jʊ.lə/ with non-rhoticity affecting the final vowel; the first vowel is shorter and more open. In Australian: /ˈɡlɒb.jʊ.lə/ with a flatter /ɒ/ and a stronger schwa in the last syllable, but often very close to US /ə/. Across all, the /bj/ cluster is preserved; Americans may add a slight rhotic ending.
The difficulty lies in the /bj/ consonant cluster after the stressed syllable and the light, reduced final syllable. Navigating the /b/ release into the /j/ blending with /ə/ or /ə.l/ can cause a lurch. Additionally, the syllable-timed rhythm can obscure the middle syllable; focus on segmenting as glob-bu-lar, then practice smoothing transitions while keeping the /bj/ sequence audible.
A practical cue: ensure the /b/ is a true bilabial stop, not a voiced bilabial-approximant blend; simultaneously bring the lips into position for /b/ and then instantly glide to /j/ without a vowel interruption. The middle /jə/ creates the ‘you-uh’ sound that anchors the word; keeping it compact ensures the globe-like quality. IPA reference: /ˈɡlɒb.jə.lə/ or /ˈɡloʊ.bjələr/ depending on region.
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Globular comes from the late Latin globularis, from globulus meaning ‘a small sphere,’ which itself derives from globus meaning ‘globe, ball.’ The form globular appeared in English in the 17th–18th centuries as a learned, technical term in medicine and astronomy to describe spherical shapes. The root glob- traces to Latin in words like globus (globe) and globosus (globose). The suffix -ar- in English often yields adjectives indicating having the form of, or pertaining to, a thing; thus globular literally means ‘having the form of a globe.’ Over time, globular broadened from purely geometric usage to describe anything spherical or quasi-spherical in biology (globular proteins, globular clusters) and everyday metaphorical use (globular lump). First known use in English appears in scientific writings toward the turn of the 18th century, with earlier Latinate scientific works laying the groundwork for the term’s later popularization in astronomy and biochemistry.
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Words that rhyme with "globular"
-lar sounds
Practice with these rhyming pairs to improve your pronunciation consistency:
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