How to pronounce humdrum
Say it like HUHM-druhm. Humdrum has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (HUHM).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce humdrum. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- HUHM
- druhm
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Humdrum pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- HUHMSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "u" in cup.
- druhmGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "u" in cup.
American vs British pronunciation of humdrum
American and British speakers say humdrum in essentially the same way: /ˈhʌmˌdrʌm/ in the US and /ˈhʌmˌdrʌm/ in the UK.
British respelling: HUHM-druhm.
What does humdrum mean?
- The quality of lacking variety or excitement.
- A stupid fellow.
- Lacking variety or excitement; dull; boring.
Where does humdrum come from?
Sound-symbolic, possible reduplication of hum, 1550s.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying humdrum
How do you pronounce humdrum?
Say HUHM-druhm. The American pronunciation is /ˈhʌmˌdrʌm/. In British English it is /ˈhʌmˌdrʌm/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in humdrum?
Humdrum has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (HUHM). Broken into parts: HUHM · druhm.
Do Americans and Brits say humdrum the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈhʌmˌdrʌm/ and the British form is /ˈhʌmˌdrʌm/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.