A guide to saying it correctly
How to Pronounce Colosseum
Pronounce the ancient Roman amphitheater with confidence: KOL-uh-SEE-um.
colosseum
KOL-uh-SEE-um
/kɒl.əˈsi.əm/ · kol · uh · SEE · um
Native US English · Kokoro neural TTS · 0:01
It's also a common reference point in movies and books set in or about ancient Rome.
Where the word comes from
The name comes from the Colossus of Nero, a giant statue that once stood near the amphitheater. The statue itself was named after the Greek word 'kolossos', meaning 'giant statue'.
Common ways people get it wrong
- kuh-LOH-see-um Some people might put the stress on the first syllable, but the stress is on the third syllable, 'SEE'.
- kol-OS-ee-um The 's' sound is not a 'z' sound. It's a clear 's' sound, like in 'see'.
Frequently asked
How do you pronounce Colosseum?
The most common pronunciation in American English is KOL-uh-SEE-um. The stress falls on the third syllable, 'SEE'.
Is it COL-o-see-um or col-O-see-um?
The standard pronunciation is KOL-uh-SEE-um, with the primary stress on the 'SEE' syllable. Avoid stressing the second syllable.
What's the difference between Colosseum and Coliseum?
Both spellings refer to the same ancient Roman amphitheater. The pronunciation is identical for both: KOL-uh-SEE-um.
