Pronunciation guide

How to pronounce nuclear

NOO-klee-er (US) or NYOO-klee-uh (UK); the ending is 'klee-er'

US/ˈnu.kli.ɚ/

nukliɚ

UK/ˈnjuː.klɪəɹ/

njuːklɪəɹ

New to IPA symbols? Read the IPA guide.

Common mistake

Often said 'NOO-kyoo-ler'; the ending is 'klee-er', matching the spelling '-clear'.

What “nuclear” means

Relating to the nucleus of an atom, or to the energy released by nuclear fission or fusion; involving atomic weapons or atomic power.

In a sentence

  • Nuclear power generates a significant portion of the city's electricity.
  • The treaty aimed to control the spread of nuclear weapons.

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Definitions and examples are derived from Wiktionary, used under CC BY-SA 4.0, then edited by QuickPronounce. Pronunciation data draws on CMUdict.