How to pronounce balsam
Say it like BAWL-sum. Balsam has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (BAWL).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce balsam. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- BAWL
- sum
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Balsam pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- BAWLSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "aw" in law.
- sumKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of balsam
American and British speakers say balsam in essentially the same way: /ˈbɔlsəm/ in the US and /ˈbɔːlsəm/ in the UK.
British respelling: BAWL-sum.
What does balsam mean?
- A sweet-smelling oil or resin derived from various plants.
- A plant or tree yielding such substance.
- A soothing ointment.
- To treat or anoint with balsam.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying balsam
How do you pronounce balsam?
Say BAWL-sum. The American pronunciation is /ˈbɔlsəm/. In British English it is /ˈbɔːlsəm/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in balsam?
Balsam has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (BAWL). Broken into parts: BAWL · sum.
Do Americans and Brits say balsam the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈbɔlsəm/ and the British form is /ˈbɔːlsəm/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.