How to pronounce punishment
Say it like PUHN-ish-munt. Punishment has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (PUHN).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce punishment. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- PUHN
- ish
- munt
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Punishment pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- PUHNSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "u" in cup.
- ishKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- muntKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of punishment
American and British speakers say punishment in essentially the same way: /ˈpʌnɪʃmənt/ in the US and /ˈpʌnɪʃmənt/ in the UK.
British respelling: PUHN-ish-munt.
What does punishment mean?
- the act of punishing
Where does punishment come from?
From Middle English punishement, from Old French punissement, from punir (“to punish”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying punishment
How do you pronounce punishment?
Say PUHN-ish-munt. The American pronunciation is /ˈpʌnɪʃmənt/. In British English it is /ˈpʌnɪʃmənt/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in punishment?
Punishment has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (PUHN). Broken into parts: PUHN · ish · munt.
Do Americans and Brits say punishment the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈpʌnɪʃmənt/ and the British form is /ˈpʌnɪʃmənt/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.