Learn How to Pronounce basketball

Not sure how to say a word? Try the Promova pronunciation tool for free and learn how to pronounce anything in English correctly. Discover over 100,000 words and easily learn English pronunciation online!

Find your word:

Try:

Find how to pronounce a word and practice it in our free word pronouncer for English learners!

How to pronounce:

Listen to the pronunciation:

basketball

Definition:

(nou) a game played on a court by two opposing teams of 5 players; points are scored by throwing the ball through an elevated horizontal hoop (nou) an inflated ball used in playing basketball

Phonetic Transcription:

ˈbɑːskɪtbɔːl

Examples:

The basketball player's skill is extraordinary.

Resent findings believe basketball was baste on this game.

University reprimands reporter for livetweeting basketball game.

Learn more about:

basketball

Related Words:

How to perfect your pronunciation of: basketball

Learn Individual Sounds

Break basketball down into individual sounds such as ˈbɑːskɪtbɔːl. Practice these parts before you learn to say the whole word.

Copy Others

Use the tools above to find out how different people say basketball in their accents, then try to repeat after them.

Pick an Accent

Avoid mixing word pronunciations. If you’re learning American English, stick to it and try not to confuse yourself with British pronunciation.

Record Yourself

Say basketball in the pronunciation tool as many times as it takes before you get it right. Record yourself saying different sentences with basketball.

Get a Native Tutor

Improve your pronunciation with native speakers! Practice with American, British, and Australian teachers on Promova.

Common mistakes of basketball pronunciation

  1. Stress placement: Many learners mistakenly stress the second syllable, saying "bas-KET-ball." The correct stress is on the first syllable: /ˈbæskɪtˌbɔl/ (US) or /ˈbɑːskɪtˌbɔːl/ (UK). Tip: Practice saying "BASKET-ball" with emphasis on "BASKET."
  2. Vowel sound confusion: Some people pronounce "basketball" with a short "a" sound, like "bask-it-ball." Instead, use the short "a" in "basket" /ˈbæskɪt/. Tip: Focus on the "a" in "basket" to maintain the correct sound.
  3. Unclear final "l": A common error is to drop the final "l," pronouncing it as "basketba." The correct pronunciation includes the "l" sound: /ˈbæskɪtˌbɔl/. Tip: Make sure to clearly articulate the "l" at the end.
  4. Overemphasizing syllables: Learners sometimes overemphasize the "ket" syllable, saying "basket-BALL." Instead, the correct syllable division keeps "ball" less stressed: /ˈbæskɪtˌbɔl/. Tip: Keep "ball" lighter in tone to avoid overemphasis.
  5. Mispronouncing the "t": Some may pronounce "basketball" as "basket-ball," treating it as two separate words. The correct pronunciation blends them: /ˈbæskɪtˌbɔl/. Tip: Practice saying "basketball" as one fluid word to improve fluency.

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "basketball" in American English?

In American English, "basketball" is pronounced as /ˈbæskɪtˌbɔl/. The primary stress is on the first syllable "bas", and the second syllable "ket" has a secondary stress.

What is the UK pronunciation of "basketball"?

In British English, "basketball" is pronounced the same way as in American English: /ˈbɑːskɪtˌbɔːl/. The primary stress remains on the first syllable, with a similar rhythm.

Are there any common mistakes when pronouncing "basketball"?

A common mistake is misplacing the stress, such as stressing the second syllable instead of the first. Remember, the correct stress is on "bas", which helps with clarity.

How many syllables are in the word "basketball"?

The word "basketball" has three syllables: "bas", "ket", and "ball". Each syllable should be pronounced clearly to ensure proper understanding.
Improve your pronunciation with a convenient app anywhere, anytime