How to pronounce claim
Say it like KLAYM. Claim is a single syllable, so the whole word carries the stress.
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce claim. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- KLAYM
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Claim pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- KLAYMSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
American vs British pronunciation of claim
American and British speakers say claim in essentially the same way: /kleɪm/ in the US and /kleɪm/ in the UK.
British respelling: KLAYM.
What does claim mean?
- an assertion of a right (as to money or property)“his claim asked for damages”
- an assertion that something is true or factual“his claim that he was innocent”“evidence contradicted the government's claims”
- demand for something as rightful or due“they struck in support of their claim for a shorter work day”
- assert or affirm strongly; state to be true or existing“He claimed that he killed the burglar”
- demand as being one's due or property; assert one's right or title to“He claimed his suitcases at the airline counter”“Mr. Smith claims special tax exemptions because he is a foreign resident”
- ask for legally or make a legal claim to, as of debts, for example“They claimed on the maximum allowable amount”
Similar and opposite words
Opposite meaning
Words that rhyme with claim
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of claim.
Questions about saying claim
How do you pronounce claim?
Say KLAYM. The American pronunciation is /kleɪm/. In British English it is /kleɪm/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in claim?
Claim is a single syllable, so the whole word carries the stress. Broken into parts: KLAYM.
Do Americans and Brits say claim the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /kleɪm/ and the British form is /kleɪm/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.