How to pronounce doldrums
Say it like DOL-drumz. Doldrums has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (DOL).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce doldrums. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- DOL
- drumz
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Doldrums pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- DOLSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- drumzKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of doldrums
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
British respelling: DOL-drumz.
What does doldrums mean?
- Usually preceded by the: a state of apathy or lack of interest; a situation where one feels boredom, ennui, or tedium; a state of listlessness or malaise.“I was in the doldrums yesterday and just didn’t feel inspired.”
- Usually preceded by the: the state of a sailing ship when it is impeded by calms or light, baffling winds, and is unable to make progress.
- Usually preceded by the: a part of the ocean near the equator where calms, squalls, and light, baffling winds are common.
Where does doldrums come from?
From obsolete doldrum (“slothful or stupid person”) plus the plural suffix -s.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying doldrums
How do you pronounce doldrums?
Say DOL-drumz. The American pronunciation is /ˈdɑldrəmz/. In British English it is /ˈdɒldrəmz/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in doldrums?
Doldrums has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (DOL). Broken into parts: DOL · drumz.
Is doldrums pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English. The British form is /ˈdɒldrəmz/ (DOL-drumz).