tawr-PEE-dohz
/tɔˈɹpidoʊz/
torpedoes is pronounced tawr-PEE-dohz (/tɔˈɹpidoʊz/). Torpedoes are self-propelled underwater weapons designed to travel toward a target and explode on impact or in proximity. The plural form torpedoes refers to more than one such device, typically used in military contexts. The term encompasses both the weapon itself and its delivery systems, and it is pronounced with a stress on the second syllable in standard varieties.
Torpedoes are self-propelled underwater weapons designed to travel toward a target and explode on impact or in proximity. The plural form torpedoes refers to more than one such device, typically used in military contexts. The term encompasses both the weapon itself and its delivery systems, and it is pronounced with a stress on the second syllable in standard varieties.
"The navy deployed several torpedoes as a deterrent against enemy submarines."
"During the exercise, the crew practiced torpedo launches from the submarine."
"Researchers analyzed historical torpedoes to understand their propulsion systems."
Pronounce as /tɔːrˈpiː.doʊz/ (US: /tɔːrˈpiː.doʊz/). The stress lands on the second syllable, with a clear long E in the second syllable 'pee' and a final z sound. Start with the 'tor' as in 'tore' followed by a strong 'pee' then a light 'doz.' Keep the final /z/ voice on the tongue tip near the alveolar ridge. Audio reference: you can compare with Forvo entry for torpedoes or Pronounce resources for native-like intonation.
Common mistakes: (1) Misplacing stress on the first syllable by saying toRPE-does or TOHP-eh-does; correct is toR-PEE-does with primarystress on the second syllable. (2) Slurring the middle 'pee' into 'po' leading to /tɔːrˈpoʊ doʊz/; aim for a crisp /iː/ as in ‘peel.’ (3) Final consonant de-emphasis: often people voice the final /z’ softly; ensure a clear voiced /z/ in torpedoes. Practise by isolating the middle and end sounds: /ˈtɔːr/ + /ˈpiː/ + /doʊz/ and blend smoothly.
In US English, stress remains on the second syllable with /ˈpiː/ as the nucleus and a clear /doʊz/ ending. UK English also uses primary stress on the second syllable but may have a slightly shorter final vowel and tighter lip rounding on /oʊ/. Australian English shares rhotic non-inking tendencies with a bright /iː/ in the second syllable and a more open /oʊ/ in the final, with slightly less pronounced r-coloring. Overall, rhoticity is generally non-rhotic in some UK varieties, but per-word stability remains on the second syllable.
The word challenges several features: a stressed second syllable with a long mid vowel /iː/ that’s easy to mispronounce as /ɪ/ or /ɛ/; a tense diphthong in the final syllable /doʊz/ where voicing of the final /z/ must be crisp; and the 'r' in the first syllable can be subtle in non-rhotic varieties. The combination of a slave-like consonant cluster and the need to maintain a steady tempo across three syllables makes accurate articulation demanding, especially in rapid speech.
Yes. The primary stress on the second syllable combined with a clear 'pee' nucleus (/ˈpiː/) and a final voiced /z/ requires precise tongue positioning: a slight forward tongue posture for the /t/ and /r/ cluster, a taut jaw for the long /iː/, and a voiced alveolar /z/ at the end. Additionally, the 'tor' portion should have a resonant, slightly rounded /ɔː/ depending on the accent, which contrasts markedly with the clearer /piː/ in the middle.
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- US: Keep rhotics in the first syllable; emphasize /tɔːr/ with a strong /r/ coloration, then /ˈpiː/ and /doʊz/. - UK: Often non-rhotic; reduce the /r/, but keep the second syllable strong with /ˈpiː/. Rhythm is slightly more clipped. - AU: Similar to UK but with a broader vowel in /ɔː/ and a brighter /iː/ in the middle; maintain clear final /z/ and avoid vocalizing it into /s/. - Vowel details: /ɔː/ in tor- sometimes closer to /ɒ/ in some accents; ensure you maintain length on the second syllable. - Tip: practice with minimal pairs focusing on the middle /iː/ vs /ɪ/ to fix accuracy.
Torpedo derives from the Latin torpedo meaning ‘stiff, numb, or electric ray,’ used by early scientists to name the underwater weapon after the electric ray electric ray (torpedinidae) due to its potential to paralyze. The modern sense originated in the 19th century, with the term applied to self-propelled underwater weapons developed by Robert Whitehead and others. The root idea links to ‘torpere’ or ‘torpere’ in Latin meaning to twist or numb, but in English the path is anchored in the Italian torpedone/torpedino traditions and the 1866 demonstration of a self-propelled device called torpedo by European scientists. Over time, “torpedo” broadened to include the ammunition itself and the operational platform, eventually forming the plural torpedoes in common usage by naval forces and historical reports. The word shifted from a general concept of a lethally charged device to a precise weapon type, retaining its associations with propulsion, explosion, and subsurface warfare. First known uses in English appeared in 19th century naval contexts, reflecting translation and adaptation of Italian and European designations for early underwater weapons.
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💡 These words have similar meanings to "torpedoes" and can often be used interchangeably.
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Words that rhyme with "torpedoes"
-oes sounds
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