How to pronounce

cicadas

American Pronunciation: /sɪˈkeɪdəz/
- Breakdown: sih-KAY-duhz
British Pronunciation: /sɪˈkɑːdəz/
- Breakdown: sih-KAH-duhz

In both pronunciations, the emphasis is on the second syllable, which is pronounced with a long "a" sound, though the quality of this vowel sound differs slightly between the American and British versions.

Definition of

cicadas

Cicadas (noun): winged insects with long transparent wings, large eyes, and prominent musical organs that produce a loud and distinct sound. Example 1: "I could hear the cicadas singing their summer song as I lounged in my backyard." Example 2: "The trees were buzzing with the sound of cicadas during their annual mating season." Example 3: "The cicadas emerged from their shells after spending years underground."

What does it mean

cicadas

The word "cicada" comes from the Latin "cicada," meaning "tree cricket." The term entered English around the mid-14th century. The root word in Latin reflects the insect's habitat (often trees) and its noisy nature, which likely inspired the name. The consistent feature across languages and time has been the association with the distinctive, loud sound these insects make, which is impossible to ignore and has been noted in literature and common observation alike.

Frequently asked questions

How do you say cicadas correctly?

To pronounce cicadas correctly, break it down into three syllables: sih-KAY-duhz. Make sure the stress is on the second syllable. You can use Pronounce AI to check your intonation. Speak slowly, record yourself on getpronounce.com, and adjust your pronunciation accordingly.

What are some synonyms for cicadas?

While cicadas are commonly referred to by their scientific name, some people may loosely refer to them as 'harvest flies' or 'jar flies.' However, these are more like colloquial or regional names rather than strict synonyms.

Are there alternative pronunciations of cicadas?

Yes, cicadas can be pronounced differently based on regional accents. In American English, it’s often sih-KAY-duhz, while some British speakers may say sih-KAH-duhz. Both pronunciations are understood by native speakers.