How to pronounce number
Say it like NUHM-ber. Number has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (NUHM).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce number. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- NUHM
- ber
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Number 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.
- berKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of number
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: NUHM-buh.
What does number mean?
- the property possessed by a sum or total or indefinite quantity of units or individuals“the number of parameters is small”“the figure was about a thousand”
- a concept of quantity involving zero and units“every number has a unique position in the sequence”
- a short performance that is part of a longer program“he did his act three times every evening”“she had a catchy little routine”
- add up in number or quantity“The bills amounted to $2,000”“The bill came to $2,000”
- give numbers to“You should number the pages of the thesis”
- enumerate“We must number the names of the great mathematicians”
Where does number come from?
Inherited from Middle English number, nombre, numbre, noumbre, from Anglo-Norman noumbre, Old French nombre, from Latin numerus (“number”), ultimately from Proto-Indo-European *nem- (“to distribute, to give, to take”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with number
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of number.
Questions about saying number
How do you pronounce number?
Say NUHM-ber. The American pronunciation is /ˈnʌmbɚ/. In British English it is /ˈnʌmbə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in number?
Number has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (NUHM). Broken into parts: NUHM · ber.
Is number 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 /ˈnʌmbə/ (NUHM-buh).