2 syllables: Par, kour. Stress on kour.
pahr-KAWR
/pɑɹˈkɔɹ/
Parkour is pronounced pahr-KAWR (/pɑɹˈkɔɹ/). It has two syllables (Par-kour), with the stress on "kour". Parkour is a discipline focusing on efficient, fluid movement through urban environments, using running, jumping, and vaulting techniques. It emphasizes physical control, spatial awareness, and creative problem-solving to navigate obstacles with minimal wasted motion. The term has broadened to describe the culture and practice of overcoming barriers through training and ingenuity.
nounParkour is a discipline focusing on efficient, fluid movement through urban environments, using running, jumping, and vaulting techniques. It emphasizes physical control, spatial awareness, and creative problem-solving to navigate obstacles with minimal wasted motion. The term has broadened to describe the culture and practice of overcoming barriers through training and ingenuity.
How to Pronounce Parkour
"She trains in parkour every weekend to improve balance and agility."
"The city’s architecture becomes a playground for parkour, challenging her to move smoothly from roof to sidewalk."
"He teaches a parkour workshop, emphasizing safety and controlled landings."
Parkour is pronounced /pɑːrˈkuːr/ in US and UK English, with the stress on the second syllable. In IPA: US /ˈpɑːr.kɔːr/ or /pɑrˈkuɚ/ depending on speaker. Start with a clear 'par' as in 'park' without an extra vowel, then a smooth 'kor' with rounded lips. You’ll notice a slightly longer second syllable with a 'koor' sound, not a hard 'kaw' or 'kor' from traditional spellings. Practice by saying “par” + “koor” in one fluid motion, keeping jaw relaxed and consonants lightly released.
Common errors include treating it as ‘par-kawr’ with an open, widened [a] as in ‘paw,’ and breaking the second syllable into a heavy ‘koar’ or ‘kor’ with too much vowel height. Another frequent slip is an overly strong ‘r’ at the end or a clipped final /r/. Correct by shaping a rounded, mid-back vowel for the second syllable: use /kuːr/ with a compact tongue and relaxed lips. Focus on a single, quick release between syllables to keep the flow intact.
In US English you’ll hear /ˈpɑːrkʊr/ or /ˈpɑɹ.kɔɹ/, with a rhotic final and a clear /r/. UK speakers commonly use /ˈpɑː.kɔː/ or /ˈpɑː.kɔːr/ with non-rhotic tendencies in some contexts, and a more rounded /ɔː/ in the second syllable. Australian pronunciation tends toward /ˈpɑː.kʊə/ or /ˈpɑː.kɔː/ with a lengthened vowel in the second syllable and a possible schwa-like lighter ending. Overall, rhoticity and vowel quality shift slightly, but the core two-syllable rhythm remains intact.
The difficulty comes from the two-syllable structure with a soft transition between /p/ and a tense /ɑː/ or /ɑ/ in the first syllable, followed by a high-back diphthong or long /ɔː/ in the second. The final /r/ in many English accents adds another complexity, especially in non-rhotic varieties. Precision requires tongue-tip contact near the alveolar ridge and controlled lip rounding for the /ɔː/ or /ɔːr/ sound, plus keeping the breath steady between the two syllables.
Uniquely, Parkour combines a French-origin term with English phonology. The challenge is preserving the French root’s rhythm and the English speaker’s tendency to reduce unstressed syllables while maintaining a crisp second syllable. Emphasize the second syllable without collapsing the word to ‘par-KOOR’ or ‘par-KOUR.’ Use a smooth, even tempo and avoid a heavy onset of the second syllable that could distort the /kuːr/ nucleus.
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Parkour originates from the French phrase parcours du combattant, literally meaning 'obstacle course' or 'course of combat.' The term evolved through a siuation in military training among French trainees who improvised movement over urban terrain. In the 1980s, the practitioners David Belle and the Yamakasi group adapted parcours to civilian contexts, shortening the phrase to parkour. The concept emphasizes efficiency, precision, and speed in traversing obstacles, often prioritizing fluidity over raw athleticism. Early uses appeared in French media as urban athletes demonstrated efficient, flowing movements over walls and rails. As the practice spread internationally, the word parkour retained its French roots in the pronunciation of the second syllable and the unrevealed silent letters. First known English usage intensified in the late 1990s and early 2000s with the growth of online communities and tutorials introducing parkour as a sport, training method, and philosophy of overcoming barriers. The term also broadened to include freerunning, which emphasizes stylistic flair and performance techniques alongside practical efficiency. Over time, parkour has become a globally recognized discipline with formal training centers, events, and instructional content, while maintaining its core emphasis on improvisation, safety, and obstacle negotiation.
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💡 These words have similar meanings to "Parkour" and can often be used interchangeably.
🔄 These words have opposite meanings to "Parkour" and show contrast in usage.
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Words that rhyme with "Parkour"
-our sounds
Practice with these rhyming pairs to improve your pronunciation consistency:
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