How to Pronounce Taboo

To pronounce "taboo", say TAB-oo — 2 syllables, IPA /tæˈbuː/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

taboo

Tap to hear · American accent

Accent

If an accent sounds the same, your device is missing that voice — it falls back to the closest one.

Speed

Syllable by syllable — tap each one

Practice: Record & Compare

Record yourself saying taboo, then compare with the target. Your audio stays on this device — nothing is uploaded.

2

Syllables

5

Letters

/tæˈbuː/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “taboo”

"taboo" has 2 syllables: tab-oo. It rhymes with blue and slew, if that helps it stick.

What does taboo mean?

noun

  1. An inhibition or ban that results from social custom or emotional aversion.
  2. (in Polynesia) Something which may not be used, approached or mentioned because it is sacred.

verb

  1. To mark as taboo.
  2. To ban.

adjective

  1. Excluded or forbidden from use, approach or mention.
  2. Culturally forbidden.

Words that rhyme with taboo

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

blueslewsubduepursuetrueviewconstruehithertoeschewpurviewimbuecoo

Related words

tabuprohibitedforbiddenimpermissibleoutsacredproscribedoff-limits

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "taboo"?▾

"Taboo" has 2 syllables: tab · oo.

What is the IPA transcription of "taboo"?▾

The IPA transcription of "taboo" is /tæˈbuː/.

What does "taboo" mean?▾

Taboo: An inhibition or ban that results from social custom or emotional aversion.

Want the definition, translations into 8 languages, and read-aloud for full sentences?

Open “taboo” in the full dictionary →