How Do You Spell KALAMAZOO?

Pronunciation: [kˈalɐməzˌuː] (IPA)

The spelling of the word "Kalamazoo" can be a challenge for those who are not familiar with it. The word is pronounced /ˌkæləməˈzuː/ (KAL-uh-muh-ZOO) and is comprised of four syllables. The first syllable "kal" is pronounced like "gal" with a K sound at the beginning. The second syllable "a" is pronounced like the letter "a" in the English alphabet. The third syllable "ma" is pronounced like "ma" in the word "mama" and the last syllable "zoo" is pronounced like the word "zoo". Together, they create the unique spelling and pronunciation of "Kalamazoo".

KALAMAZOO Meaning and Definition

1. Kalamazoo refers to a city located in the southwestern part of Michigan, United States. It serves as the county seat of Kalamazoo County and is situated approximately halfway between Chicago and Detroit. With a population of around 75,000 residents, Kalamazoo is a significant metropolitan area and a hub for education, healthcare, and cultural activities in the region.

   The name "Kalamazoo" itself has a few interpretations and origins. One possibility is that it originates from the Potawatomi word "Kikalamazoo," meaning "the reflecting river" or "boiling river," referring to the city's riverfront. Others speculate that the name is derived from a Native American word meaning "otter tail."

   In addition to its historical roots, Kalamazoo is also renowned for its institutions of higher education, including Western Michigan University and Kalamazoo College. The city boasts a vibrant arts and cultural scene, with the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts, various theater companies, and the renowned Gilmore Keyboard Festival, among other notable attractions.

   Kalamazoo is also recognized for its manufacturing industries, which have contributed significantly to the city's growth and economy over the years. Notably, Kalamazoo was once known as the birthplace of the Gibson Guitar Corporation.

   Overall, Kalamazoo is a dynamic city with a rich history, diverse cultural amenities, and economic significance, making it a notable urban center in the state of Michigan.

Top Common Misspellings for KALAMAZOO *

• kalamzoo 42.8571428%
• kalmazoo 28.5714285%
• kalamazoooo 28.5714285%

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for KALAMAZOO

• jalamazoo
• malamazoo
• lalamazoo
• oalamazoo
• ialamazoo
• kzlamazoo
• kslamazoo
• kwlamazoo
• kqlamazoo
• kakamazoo
• kapamazoo
• kaoamazoo
• kalzmazoo
• kalsmazoo
• kalamaazoo
• kallamazoo
• Calamanko
• Calamaazoo
• CalamaZZoo
• Calabazoo
• Malacazoo

Etymology of KALAMAZOO

The name "Kalamazoo" comes from the Potawatomi Native American word "gaa-maa-zo-way", which translates to "boiling water". It refers to the nearby river called Kalamazoo River, where the water was known to be boiling or turbulent due to its fast-flowing nature and rapids. The city of Kalamazoo, Michigan, takes its name from this native term.