How to pronounce lukewarm
Say it like loo-KWORM. Lukewarm has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (KWORM).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce lukewarm. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- loo
- KWORM
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Lukewarm pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- looGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "oo" in food.
- KWORMSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "aw" in law.
American vs British pronunciation of lukewarm
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
- British speakers add a light "y" sound before the "oo" (as in "tyoon" for tune).
British respelling: lyoo-KWAWM.
What does lukewarm mean?
- Between warm and cool.“Wash it in lukewarm water.”
- Unenthusiastic (about a proposal or an idea).“The suggestion met with only a lukewarm response.”
Where does lukewarm come from?
From Middle English leukwarm, lukewarm (“lukewarm, tepid”), equivalent to luke (“lukewarm”) + warm.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with lukewarm
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of lukewarm.
Questions about saying lukewarm
How do you pronounce lukewarm?
Say loo-KWORM. The American pronunciation is /ˌluˈkwɔrm/. In British English it is /ˌljuːˈkwɔːm/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in lukewarm?
Lukewarm has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (KWORM). Broken into parts: loo · KWORM.
Is lukewarm pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /ˌljuːˈkwɔːm/ (lyoo-KWAWM).