How to pronounce denim
Say it like DEN-um. Denim has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (DEN).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce denim. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- DEN
- um
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Denim pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- DENSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- umKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of denim
American and British speakers say denim in essentially the same way: /ˈdɛnəm/ in the US and /ˈdɛnɪm/ in the UK.
British respelling: DEN-im.
What does denim mean?
- (used in the plural) close-fitting trousers of heavy denim for manual work or casual wear
- a coarse durable twill-weave cotton fabric
Where does denim come from?
From the French phrase de Nîmes (“from Nîmes”), after the French town of Nîmes, where denim fabric was originally produced.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with denim
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of denim.
Questions about saying denim
How do you pronounce denim?
Say DEN-um. The American pronunciation is /ˈdɛnəm/. In British English it is /ˈdɛnɪm/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in denim?
Denim has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (DEN). Broken into parts: DEN · um.
Do Americans and Brits say denim the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈdɛnəm/ and the British form is /ˈdɛnɪm/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.