A guide to saying it correctly
How to Pronounce Kebab
A popular Middle Eastern dish of seasoned meat cooked on a skewer. Pronounced with stress on the second syllable.
kebab
kuh-BAB
/kəˈbɑb/ · ke · BAB
Native US English · Kokoro neural TTS · 0:01
It's also a common term in food blogs and travel shows discussing international cuisine.
Where the word comes from
The word 'kebab' comes from Turkish and ultimately from Arabic, meaning 'roasted meat'. It's related to the Hebrew word for 'roast'.
Common ways people get it wrong
- KAY-bab Some people might pronounce the first syllable like 'kay' due to confusion with other words, but the standard pronunciation starts with a short 'uh' sound.
- KEH-bab This pronunciation incorrectly stresses the first syllable. The stress in 'kebab' falls on the second syllable.
Frequently asked
Is it KEB-ab or ke-BAB?
The most common pronunciation in English stresses the second syllable: ke-BAB. The first syllable has a short 'uh' sound, like the 'a' in 'about'.
What kind of food is a kebab?
A kebab is typically a dish of seasoned meat, and sometimes vegetables, cooked on a skewer over heat. It originated in the Middle East and is popular worldwide.
Are there different types of kebabs?
Yes, there are many variations. Shish kebab usually refers to cubes of meat and vegetables, while doner kebab involves meat roasted on a vertical spit and then shaved off.
