2 syllables: Tur, bo. Stress on Tur.
TUR-boh
/ˈtɝboʊ/
Turbo is pronounced TUR-boh (/ˈtɝboʊ/). It has two syllables (Tur-bo), with the stress on "Tur". Turbo is a noun referring to a high-performance engine or component that increases power output, or more broadly to something operated at a high speed or intensity. In informal contexts it can describe rapid action or efficiency, such as “turbo mode” in devices. It implies enhanced speed, acceleration, or force, often with a sense of mechanical precision.
nounTurbo is a noun referring to a high-performance engine or component that increases power output, or more broadly to something operated at a high speed or intensity. In informal contexts it can describe rapid action or efficiency, such as “turbo mode” in devices. It implies enhanced speed, acceleration, or force, often with a sense of mechanical precision.
"The sports car came with a turbocharged engine that boosted horsepower."
"She put the laptop on turbo to finish the rendering faster."
"During the race, the cyclist used a turbo boost to overtake the competitor."
Usually /ˈtɜːr.boʊ/ in US English and /ˈtɜː.bəʊ/ in UK/AU, with primary stress on the first syllable. The first vowel is a mid-central to low-mid tense /ɜː/ (like ‘fur’ without the r-coloring when non-rhotic), followed by a schwa-like /ə/ or /oʊ/ depending on accent and speed. Ensure the /t/ is clean, the /ɜː/ is tense, and the second syllable has a light, rounded vowel or glide. You’ll often hear a slight linking between syllables in fast speech.
Two common errors are: 1) Dropping the first syllable stress or misplacing it, saying ‘toor-boe’ with weak first syllable; fix by sharpening the /ˈtɜː/ onset and maintaining clear primary stress. 2) Flattening the second syllable into a hard /oʊ/ or mispronouncing /ə/ as /ɪ/; correct by using a relaxed /ə/ or /oʊ/ depending on accent. Practice with minimal pairs to keep the first syllable prominent and second syllable crisp.
In US English, you’ll hear /ˈtɜː(r).ˌboʊ/ with rhoticity, a full /ɜː/ and a clear /oʊ/ in the second syllable. UK/AU typically present /ˈtɜː.bəʊ/ with non-rhotic r and a more centralized first vowel; the second syllable uses /əʊ/ in many British varieties. Australians may merge the /əʊ/ more toward /əʊ/ but still maintain the flat, clipped first syllable. Overall, stress remains on the first syllable; vowel quality shifts are the main differences.
The difficulty centers on the tense, mid back vowel /ɜː/ that doesn’t exist in all languages, and the tendency to reduce or alter the second syllable’s vowel depending on rhythm. In fast speech, the second syllable can blur to a lax /ɡoʊ/ or /əʊ/, reducing clarity. Additionally, non-native speakers might over-enunciate or misplace the primary stress, saying ‘TOO-bro’ or ‘tur-BOH’ instead of the common /ˈtɜːr.boʊ/. Focus on keeping the /ɜː/ steady and the /boʊ/ clear.
Is the ‘r’ in Turbo pronounced in non-rhotic accents when followed by a vowels start in the second syllable? In most American usage, the r remains pronounced across syllables, giving /ˈtɜːr.boʊ/. In many UK varieties, r is not pronounced before a vowel, so you’ll hear /ˈtɜː.bəʊ/. If you want to sound natural across accents, maintain a subtle rhotic cue in US speech while softening or dropping the r in UK/AU contexts, depending on your target accent.
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Turbo comes from the Latin turbo, meaning a whirl, whirlpool, or spinning motion, which itself traces to the root meaning ‘to irritate or provoke.’ In the context of engines, the term began to be used in the early 20th century as a metaphor for forced air induction that increases power. The first automotive use of the modern sense appeared in the mid-20th century with turbochargers designed to force more air into the combustion chamber, thereby increasing efficiency and horsepower. Over time, turbo expanded into more general usage in consumer electronics and digital devices to describe any feature that accelerates performance, such as ‘turbo mode’ in laptops and gaming consoles. The word’s connotations have shifted from a strictly mechanical sense to a wider figurative sense of heightened speed and intensity, while preserving the core idea of enhanced performance through force or acceleration.
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💡 These words have similar meanings to "Turbo" and can often be used interchangeably.
🔄 These words have opposite meanings to "Turbo" and show contrast in usage.
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Words that rhyme with "Turbo"
-uro sounds
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