How to Pronounce "cushion"
The correct pronunciation of "cushion" is KUUSH-un /ˈkʊʃən/. Tap play to hear it, say it into your mic for a free clarity check, and fix the "KOO-shun" habit for good.
cushion
/ˈkʊʃən/A soft bag filled with padding, used for sitting or leaning on.
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Record yourself saying “cushion” and get a real, AI-graded pronunciation score with word-by-word feedback — free, no account needed.The Indian-English Mistake: "KOO-shun" — and the Fix
| Aspect | Common in India (incorrect) | Correct |
|---|---|---|
| Sounds like | Saying 'KOO-shun' with a long 'oo', or 'KUSH-un' with the open 'u' of 'cut'. | KUUSH-un /ˈkʊʃən/ |
| Stress | Often on the wrong syllable | First syllable (KUUSH). |
How Do You Pronounce "cushion"?
"cushion" is pronounced KUUSH-un /ˈkʊʃən/. The stress is on the first syllable (KUUSH). As a noun, it means a soft bag filled with padding, used for sitting or leaning on.
The 'u' is the short 'uu' of 'push' and 'put', not the long 'oo' of 'boot': KUUSH-un.
Listen for the stressed syllable and copy its rhythm — getting the stress right matters more than any single sound.
Say "cushion" Step by Step
Break the word down, get the stress right, then blend it back together at normal speed. Repeat each step out loud three times.
Break it into syllables
KUUSH-un — say each part slowly and separately first.
Stress the right part
First syllable (KUUSH). Make the stressed syllable a little louder and longer.
Nail the key sound
The 'u' is the short 'uu' of 'push' and 'put', not the long 'oo' of 'boot': KUUSH-un.
Blend and repeat
Now say "cushion" at normal speed: KUUSH-un. Record yourself and compare.
Minimal-Pair Drills for "cushion" (2 Minutes, Out Loud)
Say each drill line aloud, slowly first, then at normal speed. On the last drill, use the mic check at the top of this page to test yourself.
push → cush → KUUSH-un
The first vowel matches 'push', a short 'uu'.
NOT KOO-shun — KUUSH-un
Not the long 'oo' of 'boot'; keep it short.
Say at speed: "Put a cushion behind your back."
Hold the short rounded 'uu'.
Why "cushion" Is Tricky — and How to Fix It
Why this happens
Indian speakers stretch the 'u' into a long 'oo', but this word uses the short, rounded 'uu' of 'push'.
Tip: Match the vowel of 'push' or 'put': KUUSH-un, short and rounded, not stretched.
Hear “cushion” in a Sentence
Read each line aloud with the same rhythm. The word to listen for is in bold.
Put a cushion behind your back.
The sofa cushion is torn.
She hugged the cushion tight.
Words Related to "cushion"
Related: sugar
Same short 'uu' start: SHUUG-ur.
Now say it inside a sentence
Getting "cushion" right on its own is the easy part. Pronunciation only sticks in connected speech. Read a passage aloud and get scored on accuracy and pace, word by word — free, no login.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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