How to pronounce bedlam
Say it like BED-lum. Bedlam has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (BED).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce bedlam. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- BED
- lum
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Bedlam pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- BEDSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- lumKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of bedlam
American and British speakers say bedlam in essentially the same way: /ˈbɛdləm/ in the US and /ˈbɛdləm/ in the UK.
British respelling: BED-lum.
What does bedlam mean?
- A place or situation of chaotic uproar, and where confusion prevails.
Where does bedlam come from?
However, also compare Spanish belén (“confusion, disorder; a place characteristic of such”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying bedlam
How do you pronounce bedlam?
Say BED-lum. The American pronunciation is /ˈbɛdləm/. In British English it is /ˈbɛdləm/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in bedlam?
Bedlam has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (BED). Broken into parts: BED · lum.
Do Americans and Brits say bedlam the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈbɛdləm/ and the British form is /ˈbɛdləm/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.