How to Pronounce Cactus

To pronounce "cactus", say CACT-us — 2 syllables, IPA /ˈkæktəs/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

cactus

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Accent

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Speed

Syllable by syllable — tap each one

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2

Syllables

6

Letters

/ˈkæktəs/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “cactus”

"cactus" has 2 syllables: cact-us. It rhymes with practice and practise, if that helps it stick.

What does cactus mean?

noun

  1. Any member of the family Cactaceae, a family of flowering New World succulent plants suited to a hot, semi-desert climate.
  2. Any succulent plant with a thick fleshy stem bearing spines but no leaves, such as euphorbs.

adjective

  1. Non-functional, broken, exhausted, dead.

Hear “cactus” in real sentences

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

Words that rhyme with cactus

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

practicepractisemalpracticefractusactus

Related words

nopalsaguaroocotillohedgehogspeciessahuarospinelessxerophyte

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "cactus"?▾

"Cactus" has 2 syllables: cact · us.

What is the IPA transcription of "cactus"?▾

The IPA transcription of "cactus" is /ˈkæktəs/.

What does "cactus" mean?▾

Cactus: Any member of the family Cactaceae, a family of flowering New World succulent plants suited to a hot, semi-desert climate.

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