How to pronounce preterm
Say it like PREE-term. Preterm has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (PREE).
VoiceSpeed
US American/ˈpritɚm/PREE-term
UK British/ˈpriːtəm/PREE-tum
- PREE
- term
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Preterm pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- PREESay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
- termKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of preterm
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: PREE-tum.
What does preterm mean?
adjective
- Of a premature birth or baby.
- A premature birth or baby.
Where does preterm come from?
From pre- + term.
Questions about saying preterm
How do you pronounce preterm?
Say PREE-term. The American pronunciation is /ˈpritɚm/. In British English it is /ˈpriːtəm/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in preterm?
Preterm has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (PREE). Broken into parts: PREE · term.
Is preterm 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 /ˈpriːtəm/ (PREE-tum).