How to pronounce flatline
Say it like FLAT-lyne. Flatline has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (FLAT).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce flatline. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- FLAT
- lyne
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Flatline pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- FLATSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
- lyneGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "i" in time.
American vs British pronunciation of flatline
American and British speakers say flatline in essentially the same way: /ˈflætˌlaɪn/ in the US and /ˈflætˌlaɪn/ in the UK.
British respelling: FLAT-lyne.
What does flatline mean?
- The disappearance of the rhythmic peaks displayed on a heart monitor.
- The disappearance of brain waves on an electroencephalogram.
- An unchanging state, as indicated in a graph of a variable over time.
- To stop beating.
- To die.
- To kill.
Where does flatline come from?
From flat + line. Refers to a continuous straight line (asystole) on an ECG (EKG) or EEG, indicating death.
Questions about saying flatline
How do you pronounce flatline?
Say FLAT-lyne. The American pronunciation is /ˈflætˌlaɪn/. In British English it is /ˈflætˌlaɪn/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in flatline?
Flatline has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (FLAT). Broken into parts: FLAT · lyne.
Do Americans and Brits say flatline the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈflætˌlaɪn/ and the British form is /ˈflætˌlaɪn/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.