How to pronounce random
Say it like RAN-dum. Random has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (RAN).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce random. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- RAN
- dum
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Random pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- RANSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
- dumKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of random
American and British speakers say random in essentially the same way: /ˈrændəm/ in the US and /ˈrændəm/ in the UK.
British respelling: RAN-dum.
What does random mean?
- lacking any definite plan or order or purpose; governed by or depending on chance“a random choice”“bombs fell at random”
Where does random come from?
From earlier randon, from Middle English randoun, raundon, from Old French randon, from randir (“to run, gallop”) (whence French randonnée (“long walk, hike”)), from Frankish *randiju (“a run, race”) or Old Norse rend (“a run, race”), both
Words that rhyme with random
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of random.
Questions about saying random
How do you pronounce random?
Say RAN-dum. The American pronunciation is /ˈrændəm/. In British English it is /ˈrændəm/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in random?
Random has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (RAN). Broken into parts: RAN · dum.
Do Americans and Brits say random the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈrændəm/ and the British form is /ˈrændəm/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.