How to pronounce dumbwaiter
Say it like DUHM-way-ter. Dumbwaiter has three 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 dumbwaiter. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- DUHM
- way
- ter
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Dumbwaiter 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.
- wayGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
- terKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of dumbwaiter
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: DUHM-way-tuh.
What does dumbwaiter mean?
- A small elevator used to move food etc. from one floor of a building to another.
Where does dumbwaiter come from?
From dumb (“unable to speak”) + waiter, originally separate words and describing the portable table's inability to relate gossip after the meal.
Questions about saying dumbwaiter
How do you pronounce dumbwaiter?
Say DUHM-way-ter. The American pronunciation is /ˈdʌmˌweɪtər/. In British English it is /ˈdʌmˌweɪtə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in dumbwaiter?
Dumbwaiter has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (DUHM). Broken into parts: DUHM · way · ter.
Is dumbwaiter 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 /ˈdʌmˌweɪtə/ (DUHM-way-tuh).