How to pronounce aim
Say it like AYM. Aim is a single syllable, so the whole word carries the stress.
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce aim. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- AYM
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Aim pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- AYMSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
American vs British pronunciation of aim
American and British speakers say aim in essentially the same way: /eɪm/ in the US and /eɪm/ in the UK.
British respelling: AYM.
What does aim mean?
- point or cause to go (blows, weapons, or objects such as photographic equipment) towards“Please don't aim at your little brother!”“He trained his gun on the burglar”
- propose or intend“I aim to arrive at noon”
- move into a desired direction of discourse“What are you driving at?”
- an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions“his intent was to provide a new translation”“good intentions are not enough”
- the goal intended to be attained (and which is believed to be attainable)“the sole object of her trip was to see her children”
- the action of directing something at an object“he took aim and fired”
Where does aim come from?
The noun is from Middle English ame, from Old French aesme, esme.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with aim
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of aim.
Questions about saying aim
How do you pronounce aim?
Say AYM. The American pronunciation is /eɪm/. In British English it is /eɪm/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in aim?
Aim is a single syllable, so the whole word carries the stress. Broken into parts: AYM.
Do Americans and Brits say aim the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /eɪm/ and the British form is /eɪm/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.