How to pronounce fulsome
Say it like FUUL-sum. Fulsome has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (FUUL).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce fulsome. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- FUUL
- sum
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Fulsome pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- FUULSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "oo" in book.
- sumKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of fulsome
American and British speakers say fulsome in essentially the same way: /ˈfʊlsəm/ in the US and /ˈfʊlsəm/ in the UK.
British respelling: FUUL-sum.
What does fulsome mean?
- Offensive to good taste, tactless, overzealous, excessive.
- Excessively flattering (connoting insincerity).
- Characterised or marked by fullness; abundant, copious.“The fulsome thanks of the war-torn nation lifted our weary spirits.”
Where does fulsome come from?
The negative sense "offensive, gross; disgusting, sickening" developed secondarily after the 13th century and was influenced by Middle English foul (“foul”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying fulsome
How do you pronounce fulsome?
Say FUUL-sum. The American pronunciation is /ˈfʊlsəm/. In British English it is /ˈfʊlsəm/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in fulsome?
Fulsome has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (FUUL). Broken into parts: FUUL · sum.
Do Americans and Brits say fulsome the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈfʊlsəm/ and the British form is /ˈfʊlsəm/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.