How to pronounce derailment
Say it like dih-RAYL-munt. Derailment has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (RAYL).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce derailment. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- dih
- RAYL
- munt
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Derailment pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- dihKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- RAYLSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
- muntKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of derailment
American and British speakers say derailment in essentially the same way: /dɪˈreɪlmənt/ in the US and /dɪˈreɪlmənt/ in the UK.
British respelling: dih-RAYL-munt.
What does derailment mean?
- The action of a locomotive or train leaving the rails along which it runs.
- An instance of diverting a conversation or debate from its original topic.
- An instance of thwarting or frustrating something.
Where does derailment come from?
Borrowed from French déraillement.
Words that rhyme with derailment
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of derailment.
Questions about saying derailment
How do you pronounce derailment?
Say dih-RAYL-munt. The American pronunciation is /dɪˈreɪlmənt/. In British English it is /dɪˈreɪlmənt/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in derailment?
Derailment has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (RAYL). Broken into parts: dih · RAYL · munt.
Do Americans and Brits say derailment the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /dɪˈreɪlmənt/ and the British form is /dɪˈreɪlmənt/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.