How to pronounce dulcimer
Say it like DUHL-sih-mer. Dulcimer has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (DUHL).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce dulcimer. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- DUHL
- sih
- mer
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Dulcimer pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- DUHLSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "u" in cup.
- sihKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- merKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of dulcimer
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: DUHL-sih-muh.
What does dulcimer mean?
- A stringed instrument, with strings stretched across a sounding board, usually trapezoidal, played by plucking on the strings (traditionally with a quill) or by tapping on them (in the case of the hammer dulcimers).
Questions about saying dulcimer
How do you pronounce dulcimer?
Say DUHL-sih-mer. The American pronunciation is /ˈdʌlsɪmɚ/. In British English it is /ˈdʌlsɪmə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in dulcimer?
Dulcimer has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (DUHL). Broken into parts: DUHL · sih · mer.
Is dulcimer pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /ˈdʌlsɪmə/ (DUHL-sih-muh).