How to pronounce cranium
Say it like KRAY-nee-um. Cranium has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KRAY).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce cranium. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- KRAY
- nee
- um
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Cranium pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- KRAYSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
- neeGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
- umKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of cranium
American and British speakers say cranium in essentially the same way: /ˈkreɪˌniəm/ in the US and /ˈkreɪˌniːəm/ in the UK.
British respelling: KRAY-nee-um.
What does cranium mean?
- That part of the skull consisting of the bones enclosing the brain, but not including the bones of the face or jaw.
- The upper portion of the skull, including the neurocranium and facial bones, but not including the jawbone (mandible).
- Synonym of skull.
Words that rhyme with cranium
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of cranium.
Questions about saying cranium
How do you pronounce cranium?
Say KRAY-nee-um. The American pronunciation is /ˈkreɪˌniəm/. In British English it is /ˈkreɪˌniːəm/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in cranium?
Cranium has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KRAY). Broken into parts: KRAY · nee · um.
Do Americans and Brits say cranium the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈkreɪˌniəm/ and the British form is /ˈkreɪˌniːəm/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.