How to pronounce numb
Say it like NUHM. Numb is a single syllable, so the whole word carries the stress.
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce numb. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- NUHM
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Numb pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- NUHMSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "u" in cup.
American vs British pronunciation of numb
American and British speakers say numb in essentially the same way: /nʌm/ in the US and /nʌm/ in the UK.
British respelling: NUHM.
What does numb mean?
- lacking sensation“my foot is asleep”“numb with cold”
- (followed by to) not showing human feeling or sensitivity; unresponsive“passersby were dead to our plea for help”“numb to the cries for mercy”
- so frightened as to be unable to move; stunned or paralyzed with terror; petrified“too numb with fear to move”
- make numb or insensitive“The shock numbed her senses”
Where does numb come from?
From the past participle of nim (“to take”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with numb
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of numb.
Questions about saying numb
How do you pronounce numb?
Say NUHM. The American pronunciation is /nʌm/. In British English it is /nʌm/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in numb?
Numb is a single syllable, so the whole word carries the stress. Broken into parts: NUHM.
Do Americans and Brits say numb the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /nʌm/ and the British form is /nʌm/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.