How to pronounce birdlime
Say it like BURD-lyme. Birdlime has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (BURD).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce birdlime. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- BURD
- lyme
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Birdlime pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- BURDSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ur" in nurse.
- lymeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in time.
American vs British pronunciation of birdlime
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: BURD-lyme.
What does birdlime mean?
- A sticky substance, of varying compositions, smeared on branches to catch birds.
- Time; a jail term, the serving of a prison sentence.
- To add birdlime to.
Where does birdlime come from?
Partial calque of German Vogelleim.
Questions about saying birdlime
How do you pronounce birdlime?
Say BURD-lyme. The American pronunciation is /ˈbɝdlaɪm/. In British English it is /ˈbɜːdlaɪm/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in birdlime?
Birdlime has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (BURD). Broken into parts: BURD · lyme.
Is birdlime pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /ˈbɜːdlaɪm/ (BURD-lyme).