How to pronounce item
Say it like EYE-tum. Item has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (EYE).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce item. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- EYE
- tum
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Item pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- EYESay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in time.
- tumKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of item
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: EYE-tum.
What does item mean?
- a distinct part that can be specified separately in a group of things that could be enumerated on a list“he noticed an item in the New York Times”“she had several items on her shopping list”
- a small part that can be considered separately from the whole“it was perfect in all details”
- a whole individual unit; especially when included in a list or collection“they reduced the price on many items”
- (used when listing or enumerating items) also“a length of chain, item a hook”
Where does item come from?
From Middle English item, from Latin item (“also; in the same manner”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying item
How do you pronounce item?
Say EYE-tum. The American pronunciation is /ˈaɪtəm/. In British English it is /ˈaɪtəm/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in item?
Item has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (EYE). Broken into parts: EYE · tum.
Is item pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t. The British form is /ˈaɪtəm/ (EYE-tum).