Pronounce it the Greek way:Ouranos, the Greek god of the sky

Words With Confusing Pronunciations

#6: Uranus

Pronunciation:

\ˈyu̇r-ə-nəs, yu-ˈrā-\

Definition:

: the planet that is seventh in order from the sun

About the Word:

No matter which of the two standard pronunciations you choose, someone may snicker.

The planet was named for Ouranos, the Greek god of the sky and father of the Titans. The Greek take on Ouranos sounds more like “oo-rah-NOHSS” than either of the two English pronunciations.