How to pronounce lemming
Say it like LEM-ing. Lemming has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (LEM).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce lemming. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- LEM
- ing
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Lemming pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- LEMSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- ingKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of lemming
American and British speakers say lemming in essentially the same way: /ˈlɛmɪŋ/ in the US and /ˈlɛmɪŋ/ in the UK.
British respelling: LEM-ing.
What does lemming mean?
- A small arctic and subarctic rodent of the tribes Lemmini, Dicrostonychini and Lagurini.
- Any member of a group given to conformity or groupthink, especially a group poised to follow a leader off a cliff.
Where does lemming come from?
From Danish and Norwegian lemming, from Old Norse lómundr, læmingi, læmingr (“lemming”), perhaps from Sami luomek.
Words that rhyme with lemming
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of lemming.
Questions about saying lemming
How do you pronounce lemming?
Say LEM-ing. The American pronunciation is /ˈlɛmɪŋ/. In British English it is /ˈlɛmɪŋ/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in lemming?
Lemming has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (LEM). Broken into parts: LEM · ing.
Do Americans and Brits say lemming the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈlɛmɪŋ/ and the British form is /ˈlɛmɪŋ/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.