How to pronounce preamble
Say it like pree-AM-bul. Preamble has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (AM).
- pree
- AM
- bul
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Preamble pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- preeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
- AMSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
- bulKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of preamble
- The stress moves: Americans stress syllable 2, while British speakers stress syllable 1.
British respelling: PREE-am-bul.
What does preamble mean?
- A short preliminary statement or remark, especially an explanatory introduction to a formal document or statute.
- A syncword.
- A precursor.“High winds are often a preamble to a winter storm.”
- To speak or write a preamble; to provide a preliminary statement or set of remarks.
Where does preamble come from?
From Middle English preamble, from Old French preambule (French préambule), from Medieval Latin praeambulum, from praeambulō (“to walk before”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Opposite meaning
Words that rhyme with preamble
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of preamble.
Questions about saying preamble
How do you pronounce preamble?
Say pree-AM-bul. The American pronunciation is /priˈæmbəl/. In British English it is /ˈpriːˌæmbəl/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in preamble?
Preamble has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (AM). Broken into parts: pree · AM · bul.
Is preamble pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. The stress moves: Americans stress syllable 2, while British speakers stress syllable 1. The British form is /ˈpriːˌæmbəl/ (PREE-am-bul).