How to pronounce lumber
Say it like LUHM-ber. Lumber has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (LUHM).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce lumber. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- LUHM
- ber
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Lumber pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- LUHMSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "u" in cup.
- berKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of lumber
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: LUHM-buh.
What does lumber mean?
- the wood of trees cut and prepared for use as building material
- an implement used in baseball by the batter
- move heavily or clumsily“The heavy man lumbered across the room”
- cut lumber, as in woods and forests
Where does lumber come from?
Exact origin unknown.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with lumber
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of lumber.
Questions about saying lumber
How do you pronounce lumber?
Say LUHM-ber. The American pronunciation is /ˈlʌmbɚ/. In British English it is /ˈlʌmbə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in lumber?
Lumber has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (LUHM). Broken into parts: LUHM · ber.
Is lumber 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 /ˈlʌmbə/ (LUHM-buh).