How to pronounce leaden
Say it like LED-un. Leaden has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (LED).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce leaden. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- LED
- un
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Leaden pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- LEDSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- unKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of leaden
American and British speakers say leaden in essentially the same way: /ˈlɛdən/ in the US and /ˈlɛdən/ in the UK.
British respelling: LED-un.
What does leaden mean?
- Resembling the color of lead, metallic or dark gray; (of daylight) dim, overcast.“The sky was dark and overcast, a leaden pall producing a deep gloom.”
- Resembling the density of lead, heavy.
- Resembling the ponderousness of lead, sluggish.
- To make or become dull or overcast.
Where does leaden come from?
From Middle English leden, leaden, from Old English lēaden (“leaden, of lead”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with leaden
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of leaden.
Questions about saying leaden
How do you pronounce leaden?
Say LED-un. The American pronunciation is /ˈlɛdən/. In British English it is /ˈlɛdən/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in leaden?
Leaden has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (LED). Broken into parts: LED · un.
Do Americans and Brits say leaden the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈlɛdən/ and the British form is /ˈlɛdən/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.