How to Pronounce "waterloo"
word
ˈwɔtɝˌɫu
WAW-ter-loo
wˈɔːtəlˌuː
waw-tuh-LOO
Definition
A 'waterloo' is a decisive defeat or failure, often in a situation where someone was expected to succeed. It originally refers to the Battle of Waterloo, where Napoleon was finally defeated.
IPA Transcription
American English
ˈwɔtɝˌɫu
British English
wˈɔːtəlˌuː
Simplified Pronunciation
US
WAW-ter-loo
UK
waw-tuh-LOO
Listen in Context
Napoleon met his Waterloo in 1815.
Losing the big game was their waterloo.
For many students, difficult exams can be a waterloo.
After years of success, the old company finally hit its waterloo when the market changed.