How to Pronounce Hobo

To pronounce "hobo", say HOB-o — 2 syllables, IPA /ˈhəʊ.bəʊ/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

hobo

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Accent

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Speed

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2

Syllables

4

Letters

/ˈhəʊ.bəʊ/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “hobo”

"hobo" has 2 syllables: hob-o. It rhymes with bobo and lobo, if that helps it stick.

What does hobo mean?

noun

  1. A wandering homeless person, especially one illegally travelling by rail or a penniless, unemployed bum.
  2. Any migratory laborer, whether homeless or not.

verb

  1. (perhaps pejorative) To be a hobo, tramp, bum etc.

    “Joe idly hoboed through half the country till he realized hoboing never gets you anywhere in life.”

Hear “hobo” 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 hobo

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

bobolobooboeroboglobojacobocobo

Related words

trampbumbindlestiffhomelesshomelessnessbeggarvagrantvagabond

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "hobo"?▾

"Hobo" has 2 syllables: hob · o.

What is the IPA transcription of "hobo"?▾

The IPA transcription of "hobo" is /ˈhəʊ.bəʊ/.

What does "hobo" mean?▾

Hobo: A wandering homeless person, especially one illegally travelling by rail or a penniless, unemployed bum.

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