How to pronounce circumcision
Say it like sur-kum-SIZH-un. Circumcision has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (SIZH).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce circumcision. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- sur
- kum
- SIZH
- un
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Circumcision pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- surGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "ur" in nurse.
- kumKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- SIZHSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- unKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of circumcision
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: sur-kum-SIZH-un.
What does circumcision mean?
- The surgical excision of the foreskin and usually all or most of the penile frenulum.
- Pharisaic circumcision.
- The surgical excision of the clitoral hood of the clitoris; female circumcision.
Where does circumcision come from?
From Middle English circumcisioun, from Old French circumcisiun (modern French circoncision) and its etymon Latin circumcīsiō, from circumcīdō (“cut around”), from circum (“about, around; through”) + caedō (“cut, hew”).
Words that rhyme with circumcision
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of circumcision.
Questions about saying circumcision
How do you pronounce circumcision?
Say sur-kum-SIZH-un. The American pronunciation is /ˌsɝkəmˈsɪʒən/. In British English it is /ˌsɜːkəmˈsɪʒən/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in circumcision?
Circumcision has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (SIZH). Broken into parts: sur · kum · SIZH · un.
Is circumcision 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 /ˌsɜːkəmˈsɪʒən/ (sur-kum-SIZH-un).