How to pronounce atom
Say it like AT-um. Atom has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (AT).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce atom. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- AT
- um
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Atom pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- ATSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
- umKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of atom
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: AT-um.
What does atom mean?
- (physics and chemistry) the smallest component of an element having the chemical properties of the element
- (nontechnical usage) a tiny piece of anything
Words that rhyme with atom
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of atom.
Questions about saying atom
How do you pronounce atom?
Say AT-um. The American pronunciation is /ˈætəm/. In British English it is /ˈætəm/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in atom?
Atom has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (AT). Broken into parts: AT · um.
Is atom pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t. The British form is /ˈætəm/ (AT-um).