How to pronounce limestone
Say it like LYME-stohn. Limestone has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (LYME).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce limestone. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- LYME
- stohn
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Limestone pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- LYMESay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in time.
- stohnGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "o" in go.
American vs British pronunciation of limestone
- The long o starts further forward in British English, closer to "uh-oo" than the American "oh".
British respelling: LYME-stohn.
What does limestone mean?
- a sedimentary rock consisting mainly of calcium that was deposited by the remains of marine animals
Where does limestone come from?
From lime + stone.
Questions about saying limestone
How do you pronounce limestone?
Say LYME-stohn. The American pronunciation is /ˈlaɪmˌstoʊn/. In British English it is /ˈlaɪmˌstəʊn/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in limestone?
Limestone has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (LYME). Broken into parts: LYME · stohn.
Is limestone pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. The long o starts further forward in British English, closer to "uh-oo" than the American "oh". The British form is /ˈlaɪmˌstəʊn/ (LYME-stohn).