How to pronounce centimetre
Say it like SEN-tuh-mee-ter. Centimetre has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SEN).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce centimetre. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- SEN
- tuh
- mee
- ter
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Centimetre pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- SENSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- tuhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- meeGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
- terKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of centimetre
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: SEN-tih-mee-tuh.
What does centimetre mean?
- An SI unit of length equal to 10⁻² metres. Symbol: cm
Where does centimetre come from?
Borrowed from French centimètre; equivalent to centi- + metre.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with centimetre
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of centimetre.
Words that sound like centimetre
Questions about saying centimetre
How do you pronounce centimetre?
Say SEN-tuh-mee-ter. The American pronunciation is /ˈsɛntəˌmitɚ/. In British English it is /ˈsɛntɪmiːtə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in centimetre?
Centimetre has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SEN). Broken into parts: SEN · tuh · mee · ter.
Is centimetre 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 /ˈsɛntɪmiːtə/ (SEN-tih-mee-tuh).
What words sound the same as centimetre?
Centimetre sounds the same as centimeter in American English. The spelling and meaning are what tell them apart.