How to pronounce Northumberland
Say it like nor-THUHM-ber-lund. Northumberland has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (THUHM).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce Northumberland. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- nor
- THUHM
- ber
- lund
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Northumberland pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- norKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "aw" in law.
- THUHMSay 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.
- lundKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of Northumberland
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: naw-THUHM-buh-lund.
What does Northumberland mean?
- A ceremonial county of England, the most northerly county of England bordered by County Durham, Cumbria, Tyne and Wear, Scotland and the North Sea.
Where does Northumberland come from?
From Middle English Northumberlond, Northhumberlond, from Old English Norþhymbra land (“land of the Northumbrians”).
Questions about saying Northumberland
How do you pronounce Northumberland?
Say nor-THUHM-ber-lund. The American pronunciation is /nɔrˈθʌmbɚlənd/. In British English it is /nɔːˈθʌmbələnd/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in Northumberland?
Northumberland has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (THUHM). Broken into parts: nor · THUHM · ber · lund.
Is Northumberland 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 /nɔːˈθʌmbələnd/ (naw-THUHM-buh-lund).