How to pronounce customs
Say it like KUHS-tumz. Customs has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KUHS).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce customs. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- KUHS
- tumz
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Customs pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- KUHSSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "u" in cup.
- tumzKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of customs
American and British speakers say customs in essentially the same way: /ˈkʌstəmz/ in the US and /ˈkʌstəmz/ in the UK.
British respelling: KUHS-tumz.
What does customs mean?
- money collected under a tariff
Where does customs come from?
Plural of custom. Perhaps influenced by or taken as a corruption of customhouse, from Middle English custome hous.
Questions about saying customs
How do you pronounce customs?
Say KUHS-tumz. The American pronunciation is /ˈkʌstəmz/. In British English it is /ˈkʌstəmz/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in customs?
Customs has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KUHS). Broken into parts: KUHS · tumz.
Do Americans and Brits say customs the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈkʌstəmz/ and the British form is /ˈkʌstəmz/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.