How to pronounce decibels
Say it like DES-uh-bulz. Decibels 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 decibels. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- DES
- uh
- bulz
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Decibels 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.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- bulzKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of decibels
American and British speakers say decibels in essentially the same way: /ˈdɛsəbəlz/ in the US and /ˈdɛsəbəlz/ in the UK.
British respelling: DES-uh-bulz.
What does decibels mean?
- plural of decibel How to pronounce decibel
Questions about saying decibels
How do you pronounce decibels?
Say DES-uh-bulz. The American pronunciation is /ˈdɛsəbəlz/. In British English it is /ˈdɛsəbəlz/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in decibels?
Decibels has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (DES). Broken into parts: DES · uh · bulz.
Do Americans and Brits say decibels the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈdɛsəbəlz/ and the British form is /ˈdɛsəbəlz/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.