How to pronounce numbers
Say it like NUHM-berz. Numbers has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (NUHM).
VoiceSpeed
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce numbers. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
US American/ˈnʌmbɚz/NUHM-berz
UK British/ˈnʌmbəz/NUHM-buz
- NUHM
- berz
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Numbers 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.
- berzKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of numbers
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: NUHM-buz.
What does numbers mean?
noun
- the fourth book of the Old Testament; contains a record of the number of Israelites who followed Moses out of Egypt
- an illegal daily lottery
Questions about saying numbers
How do you pronounce numbers?
Say NUHM-berz. The American pronunciation is /ˈnʌmbɚz/. In British English it is /ˈnʌmbəz/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in numbers?
Numbers has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (NUHM). Broken into parts: NUHM · berz.
Is numbers 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 /ˈnʌmbəz/ (NUHM-buz).