How to pronounce idiom
Say it like ID-ee-um. Idiom has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (ID).
VoiceSpeed
US American/ˈɪdiəm/ID-ee-um
UK British/ˈɪdɪəm/ID-eerm
- ID
- ee
- um
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Idiom pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- IDSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- eeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
- umKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of idiom
- American English uses 3 syllables and British English 2.
British respelling: ID-eerm.
What does idiom mean?
noun
- A manner of speaking, a mode of expression peculiar to a language, language family, or group of people.“In English, idiom requires the indefinite article in a phrase such as "she's an engineer", whereas in Spanish, idiom forbids it.”
- A programming construct or phraseology that is characteristic of the language.
- A language or language variety; specifically, a restricted dialect used in a given historical period, context, etc.“In the idiom of the day, they were sutlers, although today they'd probably be called vendors.”
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
- idiomaticness
- idiomaticity
- dialect
- language
- languoid
- lect
- expression
- idiotism
Words that rhyme with idiom
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of idiom.
Questions about saying idiom
How do you pronounce idiom?
Say ID-ee-um. The American pronunciation is /ˈɪdiəm/. In British English it is /ˈɪdɪəm/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in idiom?
Idiom has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (ID). Broken into parts: ID · ee · um.
Is idiom pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. American English uses 3 syllables and British English 2. The British form is /ˈɪdɪəm/ (ID-eerm).