How do you pronounce "backbone"?

In American English: /ˈbækˌboʊn/ (BAK-bohn). In British English: /bˈakbəʊn/ (B). In Canadian English: /ˈbækˌboʊn/ (BAK-bohn). In Australian English: /bˈakbəʊn/ (B).

Is "backbone" pronounced differently in American and British English?

Yes. In American English it's pronounced /ˈbækˌboʊn/ (BAK-bohn), while in British English it's /bˈakbəʊn/ (B).

How to Pronounce "backbone"

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backbone

regional

/ˈbækˌboʊn/

BAK-bohn

Syllable Breakdown

bækback·boʊnbone

Source

80%confidence📘 CMU Pronouncing Dictionary v0.7b

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Last updated: 2026-02-14