How to pronounce minimum
Say it like MIN-uh-mum. Minimum has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (MIN).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce minimum. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- MIN
- uh
- mum
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Minimum pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- MINSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- mumKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of minimum
American and British speakers say minimum in essentially the same way: /ˈmɪnəməm/ in the US and /ˈmɪnɪməm/ in the UK.
British respelling: MIN-ih-mum.
What does minimum mean?
- the smallest possible quantity
- the point on a curve where the tangent changes from negative on the left to positive on the right
- the least possible“needed to enforce minimal standards”“her grades were minimal”
Where does minimum come from?
Learned borrowing from Latin minimum, neuter form of minimus (“least, smallest”).
Similar and opposite words
Opposite meaning
Questions about saying minimum
How do you pronounce minimum?
Say MIN-uh-mum. The American pronunciation is /ˈmɪnəməm/. In British English it is /ˈmɪnɪməm/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in minimum?
Minimum has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (MIN). Broken into parts: MIN · uh · mum.
Do Americans and Brits say minimum the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈmɪnəməm/ and the British form is /ˈmɪnɪməm/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.