How to pronounce fumble
Say it like FUHM-bul. Fumble has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (FUHM).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce fumble. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- FUHM
- bul
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Fumble pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- FUHMSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "u" in cup.
- bulKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of fumble
American and British speakers say fumble in essentially the same way: /ˈfʌmbəl/ in the US and /ˈfʌmbəl/ in the UK.
British respelling: FUHM-bul.
What does fumble mean?
- To handle nervously or awkwardly.“Waiting for the interview, he fumbled with his tie.”
- To grope awkwardly in trying to find something“He fumbled for his keys.”
- To blunder uncertainly.“He fumbled through his prepared speech.”
- The dropping of a ball by accident.
- A clumsy sexual encounter.“Suzy and Jimmy had a fumble behind the bike shed.”
- A dessert similar to a cross between a fool and a crumble.
Where does fumble come from?
The ultimate origin for either could perhaps be imitative of fumbling.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with fumble
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of fumble.
Questions about saying fumble
How do you pronounce fumble?
Say FUHM-bul. The American pronunciation is /ˈfʌmbəl/. In British English it is /ˈfʌmbəl/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in fumble?
Fumble has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (FUHM). Broken into parts: FUHM · bul.
Do Americans and Brits say fumble the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈfʌmbəl/ and the British form is /ˈfʌmbəl/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.