How to pronounce catacomb
Say it like KAT-uh-kohm. Catacomb has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KAT).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce catacomb. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- KAT
- uh
- kohm
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Catacomb pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- KATSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- kohmKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "o" in go.
American vs British pronunciation of catacomb
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: KAT-uh-koom.
What does catacomb mean?
- An underground system of tunnels and chambers with recesses for graves, used (in former times) as a cemetery; a tunnel system used for burying the dead, as in Paris or Ancient Rome.
Where does catacomb come from?
From Middle English catacombe, from Old English catacumbe, catacumbas pl, from Late Latin catacumbae pl, name of the underground cemetery of St.
Questions about saying catacomb
How do you pronounce catacomb?
Say KAT-uh-kohm. The American pronunciation is /ˈkætəkoʊm/. In British English it is /ˈkætəkuːm/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in catacomb?
Catacomb has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KAT). Broken into parts: KAT · uh · kohm.
Is catacomb 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 /ˈkætəkuːm/ (KAT-uh-koom).