KAH-kee
/ˈkɑki/
Khaki is pronounced KAH-kee (/ˈkɑki/). Khaki is a light brown cotton or wool fabric, originally used for military uniforms and now common in casual wear. The term also refers to a color near this fabric, typically a muted tan or beige. In usage, it often describes clothing, materials, or hues associated with practical, durable fashion.
nounKhaki is a light brown cotton or wool fabric, originally used for military uniforms and now common in casual wear. The term also refers to a color near this fabric, typically a muted tan or beige. In usage, it often describes clothing, materials, or hues associated with practical, durable fashion.
How to Pronounce Khaki
"She wore khaki cargo shorts and a white tee for the hiking trip."
"The designer introduced a khaki trench coat that complemented olive tones."
"Laborers wore khaki uniforms that blended with the dusty environment."
Khaki is pronounced /ˈkɑː.ki/ in US and /ˈkæ.kɪ/ in UK and Australian English. The primary stress falls on the first syllable. Start with a low-back jaw position for the /ɑː/ (US) or a short /æ/ (UK/AU), then close with a clean /ki/ where the tongue approaches the palate and the lips are relaxed. You can listen to native pronunciation on Pronounce or Forvo to hear regional nuances.
Two common errors are treating the vowel as a short /ɪ/ in US speakers or incorrectly rounding the lips for the /ɑː/ in American speech. Some learners also devoice the /ki/ ending, producing /ˈkɑː.k/ or merging syllables. Correct by sustaining an /ɑː/ (US) or a clearer /æ/ (UK/AU) before a distinct /ki/ with a light, unrounded lips. Practice with minimal pairs like 'khaki' vs 'khaki-hood' to feel the ending.
In US English, /ˈkɑː.ki/ with a longer back open vowel in the first syllable and a clear /ki/; rhotic influence is present. In UK and AU, /ˈkæ.kɪ/ features a shorter /æ/ in the first syllable and a shorter, clipped final vowel /ɪ/. The rhythm remains stressed on the first syllable, but the vowel quality shifts slightly. Listening to regional recordings helps internalize the distinctions.
Khaki combines a tense back vowel in US /ˈkɑː/ with a short, high-front /i/ at the end, which can elide under casual speech. The transition /ɑːk/ to /ki/ requires precise tongue elevation and a light release. Learners often produce a diphthong or merge syllables. Focus on ending with a crisp /ki/, maintaining a separate, audible syllable boundary.
The ending /ki/ can be mistaken for a simple /k/ sound or blended with the preceding vowel in fast speech. The stressed first syllable must be clearly separated from the second to preserve the two-syllable rhythm, especially in rapid speech. Practice keeping the /i/ audible and not reducing the second syllable to a syllabic consonant.
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Khaki entered English in the mid-19th century from the Urdu word khākhī ( خاکی), meaning dust-colored or dusty. The term was adopted by British Indian Army officers to describe the dust-colored uniforms worn in colonial campaigns; khāk means dust in Persian and several related languages, and -ī is an adjectival suffix. The fabric itself was introduced in the 1840s–1850s as a sturdy cotton drill, chosen for its practicality in hot climates. The color term gained prominence as armies adopted similar earth-toned uniforms, later expanding to civilian fashion as fabric technologies improved and mass production made khaki a versatile, mainstream color. By the early 20th century, khaki had become a generic descriptor for tan-beige fabrics in fashion beyond military use. In contemporary usage, khaki covers both fabric and color, with numerous shades and blends influencing naming conventions globally.
💡 Etymology tip: Understanding word origins can help you remember pronunciation patterns and recognize related words in the same language family.
Help others use "Khaki" correctly by contributing grammar tips, common mistakes, and context guidance.
💡 These words have similar meanings to "Khaki" and can often be used interchangeably.
🔄 These words have opposite meanings to "Khaki" 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 "Khaki"
-cky 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.
