How to pronounce decibel
Say it like DES-ih-bel. Decibel has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (DES).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce decibel. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- DES
- ih
- bel
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Decibel pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- DESSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- ihKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- belKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
American vs British pronunciation of decibel
American and British speakers say decibel in essentially the same way: /ˈdɛsɪbɛl/ in the US and /ˈdɛsɪbɛl/ in the UK.
British respelling: DES-ih-bel.
What does decibel mean?
- A common measure of intensity ratio (e.g. for sound) that is one tenth of a bel on the logarithmic intensity scale. It is defined as dB = 10 log₁₀(P₁ / P₂), where P₁ and P₂ are the relative intensities.
Where does decibel come from?
From deci- + bel.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
- db
Questions about saying decibel
How do you pronounce decibel?
Say DES-ih-bel. The American pronunciation is /ˈdɛsɪbɛl/. In British English it is /ˈdɛsɪbɛl/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in decibel?
Decibel has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (DES). Broken into parts: DES · ih · bel.
Do Americans and Brits say decibel the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈdɛsɪbɛl/ and the British form is /ˈdɛsɪbɛl/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.