How to Pronounce Abacus

To pronounce "abacus", say AB-ac-us — 3 syllables, IPA /-saɪ/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

abacus

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Accent

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Speed

Syllable by syllable — tap each one

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3

Syllables

6

Letters

/-saɪ/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “abacus”

"abacus" has 3 syllables: ab-ac-us.

What does abacus mean?

noun

  1. A table or tray scattered with sand which was used for calculating or drawing.
  2. A device used for performing arithmetical calculations; a table on which loose counters are placed, or (more commonly) an instrument with beads sliding on rods, or counters in grooves, with one row of beads or counters representing units, the next tens, etc.

    “I’ve heard merchants still use an abacus for adding things up in China.”

Hear “abacus” in real sentences

Real example sentences from Tatoeba (CC-BY) — tap to hear each one, or see it used on YouGlish.

Related words

shieldchartcalculationsandbinsandpileabbozzoscantlesandheap

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "abacus"?▾

"Abacus" has 3 syllables: ab · ac · us.

What is the IPA transcription of "abacus"?▾

The IPA transcription of "abacus" is /-saɪ/.

What does "abacus" mean?▾

Abacus: A table or tray scattered with sand which was used for calculating or drawing.

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