USA
How to pronounce
Houston
HYOO·stuhn
American /ˈhjuː.stən/
Sound by sound
2 little beats. BIG = the stressed part.
- HYOO the ‘yoo’ in cute — say this beat loudest
- stuhn the relaxed ‘uh’ in sofa
Don’t say…
- HOW-stuhn (that’s Houston Street in New York)
- HOO-stuhn
- HYOO·stuhn — stress on HYOO
Where the name comes from
Houston is named after Sam Houston (1793–1863), the general who won Texan independence at the Battle of San Jacinto and became the first president of the Republic of Texas. The city was founded in 1836 and named in his honor that same year.
- State
- Texas
- Nickname
- Space City
- World Cup venue
- NRG Stadium
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Practice in the appFAQ
How do you pronounce Houston?
Houston is pronounced HYOO·stuhn in American English — 2 beats, with the stress on HYOO.
Where does the name Houston come from?
Houston is named after Sam Houston (1793–1863), the general who won Texan independence at the Battle of San Jacinto and became the first president of the Republic of Texas. The city was founded in 1836 and named in his honor that same year.
Why is Houston, Texas said differently from Houston Street in New York?
They’re named after different people. The Texas city honors Sam Houston and is said HYOO-stuhn. Houston Street in Manhattan honors William Houstoun and is said HOW-stuhn — so New Yorkers say “HOW-stuhn Street”, never “HYOO-stuhn Street”.
How many World Cup matches will Houston host?
Houston will host seven matches at NRG Stadium (branded “Houston Stadium” for the tournament) — five group-stage games, one Round of 32, and one Round of 16 — between June 14 and July 4, 2026.