How to pronounce bitumen
Say it like bit-OO-mun. Bitumen has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (OO).
- bit
- OO
- mun
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Bitumen pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- bitGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- OOSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "oo" in food.
- munKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of bitumen
- The stress moves: Americans stress syllable 2, while British speakers stress syllable 1.
British respelling: BIT-yuu-min.
What does bitumen mean?
- A sticky, black, highly viscous liquid or semi-solid form of petroleum, burning with a bright flame. It occurs as an abundant natural product in many places, as on the shores of the Dead and Caspian Seas. It is used in cements, in the construction of pavements, etc.; Mineral pitch.
- Any one of the natural hydrocarbons, including the hard, solid, brittle varieties called asphalt, the semisolid maltha and mineral tars, the oily petrolea, and even the light, volatile naphthas.
- Roads sealed with bitumen, as opposed to dirt roads.
- To cover or fill with bitumen.
Where does bitumen come from?
From Middle English bithumen, bitumen, from Latin bitūmen.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
- bitume
- bituminize
Words that rhyme with bitumen
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of bitumen.
Questions about saying bitumen
How do you pronounce bitumen?
Say bit-OO-mun. The American pronunciation is /ˌbɪˈtumən/. In British English it is /ˈbɪtjʊmɪn/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in bitumen?
Bitumen has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (OO). Broken into parts: bit · OO · mun.
Is bitumen pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. The stress moves: Americans stress syllable 2, while British speakers stress syllable 1. The British form is /ˈbɪtjʊmɪn/ (BIT-yuu-min).