How to pronounce dumbbell
Say it like DUHM-bel. Dumbbell has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (DUHM).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce dumbbell. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- DUHM
- bel
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Dumbbell pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- DUHMSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "u" in cup.
- belGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
American vs British pronunciation of dumbbell
American and British speakers say dumbbell in essentially the same way: /ˈdʌmˌbɛl/ in the US and /ˈdʌmˌbɛl/ in the UK.
British respelling: DUHM-bel.
What does dumbbell mean?
- A weight training implement consisting of a short bar with weight counterpoised on each end.“He was exercising with the dumbbells in gym class today.”
Where does dumbbell come from?
From dumb (“silent”) + bell (“a resonating instrument”).
Questions about saying dumbbell
How do you pronounce dumbbell?
Say DUHM-bel. The American pronunciation is /ˈdʌmˌbɛl/. In British English it is /ˈdʌmˌbɛl/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in dumbbell?
Dumbbell has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (DUHM). Broken into parts: DUHM · bel.
Do Americans and Brits say dumbbell the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈdʌmˌbɛl/ and the British form is /ˈdʌmˌbɛl/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.