English pronunciation · Words Starting with C
Cactus Pronunciation
Cactus is pronounced KAK-tuhs, IPA /ˈkæktəs/.
KAK-tuhs
US /ˈkæktəs/ · UK /ˈkæktəs/
Syllables: KAK · tuhs (2 syllables, stress on syllable 1)
noun: A desert plant with thick fleshy stems and spines instead of leaves.
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Cactus in a Sentence
- The cactus on the windowsill has not been watered since March.
- A cactus can store water for months.
- She photographs cactus flowers in the Sonoran desert.
Common Mispronunciations of Cactus
Not KAHK-tuhs
Open with the short a of cat rather than the ah of father. Both c letters are hard k sounds.
Not kak-TOOS
Reduce the second syllable to tuhs and keep the beat at the front. The u is never given the oo of boot.
Tip: Plural is cacti, KAK-ty, or cactuses. Both are correct.
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