Learn How to Pronounce boulder

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boulder

Definition:

(nou) a large smooth mass of rock detached from its place of origin (nou) a town in north central Colorado; Rocky Mountains resort center and university town

Phonetic Transcription:

ˈbəʊldə

Examples:

A boulder is situated in the middle of the circle.

He returned to the boulder and left the ashes there.

It is not prudent to take a motorboat west of the boulder.

Learn more about:
boulder

Related Words:

stone

How to perfect your pronunciation of: boulder

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Common mistakes of boulder pronunciation

Misplacing the stress: Some learners stress the second syllable, saying "boul-der" /ˈboʊl.dər/ (US) or /ˈbəʊl.də/ (UK). Tip: Remember to stress the first syllable, "boul", to pronounce it correctly.
Incorrect vowel sound: A common mistake is pronouncing "boulder" with an "ow" sound as in "cow". This leads to "bowl-der". Tip: Focus on the long "o" sound /oʊ/ (US) or /əʊ/ (UK) in "boul".
Dropping the "d": Some may say "boul-er" instead of "boulder". This can confuse listeners. Tip: Ensure you pronounce the "d" clearly to maintain the integrity of the word.
Mispronouncing the "r": Non-native speakers might pronounce "boulder" with a softer "r", like "boul-deh". Tip: Practice the American "r" /ɹ/ or the British "r" /ə/ to sound more natural.
Overemphasizing the "l": Some learners might say "boul-der" with a heavy "l" sound. Tip: Keep the "l" sound subtle to ensure it flows smoothly into the "d".

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "boulder"?

In American English, "boulder" is pronounced as /ˈboʊldər/ with the primary stress on the first syllable. In British English, the pronunciation is similar, often rendered as /ˈbəʊldə/ with a slightly different vowel sound in the first syllable.

What is the syllable breakdown for "boulder"?

The word "boulder" has two syllables: "boul" and "der." The first syllable, "boul," is stressed, making it more prominent when spoken.

Are there any common mistakes when pronouncing "boulder"?

A frequent mistake is misplacing the stress or pronouncing the "der" too softly, which can make it sound like "bouldar." Remember to emphasize the "boul" sound to ensure clarity.

Is there a schwa sound in "boulder"?

No, there is no schwa sound in "boulder." The second syllable "der" is pronounced clearly as /dər/ without reducing to a schwa, maintaining its distinct sound.