How to pronounce martyrdom
Say it like MAR-ter-dum. Martyrdom has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (MAR).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce martyrdom. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- MAR
- ter
- dum
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Martyrdom pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- MARSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- terKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
- dumKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of martyrdom
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: MAH-tuh-dum.
What does martyrdom mean?
- The condition of a martyr; the death or suffering of a martyr; the death or suffering on account of adherence to the Christian faith, or to any cause.
- Extreme suffering, affliction; torment; torture, especially without reason.
Where does martyrdom come from?
From Middle English martyrdome, martirdom, marterdom, from Old English martyrdōm (“martyrdom”), corresponding to martyr + -dom.
Questions about saying martyrdom
How do you pronounce martyrdom?
Say MAR-ter-dum. The American pronunciation is /ˈmɑrtɚdəm/. In British English it is /ˈmɑːtədəm/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in martyrdom?
Martyrdom has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (MAR). Broken into parts: MAR · ter · dum.
Is martyrdom 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 /ˈmɑːtədəm/ (MAH-tuh-dum).