How to pronounce rhythm
Say it like RITH-um. Rhythm has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (RITH).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce rhythm. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- RITH
- um
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Tip: The h is silent and there is no vowel between th and m: 'RITH-um'.
Rhythm pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- RITHSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- umKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of rhythm
American and British speakers say rhythm in essentially the same way: /ˈrɪðəm/ in the US and /ˈrɪðəm/ in the UK.
British respelling: RITH-um.
What does rhythm mean?
- the basic rhythmic unit in a piece of music“the piece has a fast rhythm”“the conductor set the beat”
- recurring at regular intervals
- an interval during which a recurring sequence of events occurs“the never-ending cycle of the seasons”
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying rhythm
How do you pronounce rhythm?
Say RITH-um. The American pronunciation is /ˈrɪðəm/. In British English it is /ˈrɪðəm/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in rhythm?
Rhythm has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (RITH). Broken into parts: RITH · um.
Do Americans and Brits say rhythm the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈrɪðəm/ and the British form is /ˈrɪðəm/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.