How to Pronounce Nuclear

Last Updated: October 21, 2021 References

How hard can it be to say the word “nuclear”? Actually, the correct pronunciation is debated. Most experts agree that one pronunciation is correct, but so many famous people say it another way that some dictionaries think both versions can be used.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:
Saying Nuclear Correctly

1
Break the word “nuclear” into three syllables. That will help you master the pronunciation. It’s the pronunciation of the second syllable that is in dispute.
- The most widely accepted correct pronunciation of the word is “NEW-clee-er.” In this case (somewhat unusually), the word is spelled exactly how you are supposed to say it. Put the pronunciation on the first syllable. The "er" is pronounced like the "u" in the word "fur."
- The pronunciation “NEW-clee-er” is widely regarded by experts as the “correct” pronunciation, even though another variant has been used so much by prominent people that, to some, it’s become another acceptable usage.^{[1]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:
Using the Second Pronunciation of the Word

1
Realize there is another variant of the word. Some people, including some very prominent people, incorrectly say “nuke-you-lerr” or “Nu-cu-lar.”^{[2]
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- The mispronunciation of nuclear is so common that it’s found its way into popular culture. In the 1989 Woody Allen film “Crimes and Misdemeanors," Mia Farrow’s character says she would not fall in love with a man who pronounced the word “nucular." Another version of this is “NOO-kyuh-lur.”^{[3]
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- President George W. Bush, Dwight D. Eisenhower and Bill Clinton have pronounced the word this way in the past. President Jimmy Carter said “newkeeuh.”^{[4]
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  Research source} Homer Simpson still says “nucular.”
2
Decide whether you want to say the word this way. American dictionaries now recognize “NOO-kyuh-luhr” as an accepted variant of the word. That’s not the end of the story, though.
- When a usage panel was convened by Harper Dictionary, members rejected this pronunciation 99 to 1. ^{[5]
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- People might be confusing the word with words like “circular” and “secular.” At least one book attempted to argue the presidential versions were actually correct and that weapons labs since WW2 used the “nucular” pronunciation. It’s not a settled issue, though, so if you want to be safe, say, “NEW-clee-er.”^{[6]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:
Mastering Differences in Dialects

1
Use the right regional pronunciation. The word “nuclear” is pronounced differently in different English-speaking regions of the world."
- In the United States, the word is pronounced “NEW-klee-er” with the emphasis on the first syllable.
- However, in the United Kingdom, the word is pronounced “New-KLEE-ah” with the emphasis on the second syllable. The “r” sound at the end of the word is not as pronounced as it is in American English.^{[7]
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Community Q&A

Question

So, I can really say this word either way?

Community Answer

Well, you risk more people thinking you are wrong if you say "nucular," and they might laugh at you. So, if you want to err on the side of caution, say "NEW-clee-er" and no one can argue the point.
Question

Why are you attempting to justify the obvious mispronunciation of the word nuclear?

Community Answer

Language changes. There is no "right" way, only more common/less common usages. Some usages carry class connotations.
Question

Is the mispronunciation of the word as nucular a new trend?

Community Answer

No, it was found back in WW2 and was even used by President Dwight D. Eisenhower.
Question

Does it matter if I don't pronounce nuclear correctly?

Community Answer

If you do not pronounce nuclear correctly, nothing much will happen, but people could begin to think you do not use grammar correctly. It is fine, just try not to mispronounce it.