How to pronounce rummage
Say it like RUHM-ij. Rummage has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (RUHM).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce rummage. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- RUHM
- ij
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Rummage pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- RUHMSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "u" in cup.
- ijKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of rummage
American and British speakers say rummage in essentially the same way: /ˈrʌmɪdʒ/ in the US and /ˈrʌmɪdʒ/ in the UK.
British respelling: RUHM-ij.
What does rummage mean?
- To arrange (cargo, goods, etc.) in the hold of a ship; to move or rearrange such goods.
- To search a vessel for smuggled goods.“After the long voyage, the customs officers rummaged the ship.”
- To search something thoroughly and with disregard for the way in which things were arranged.“She rummaged her purse in search of the keys.”
- A thorough search, usually resulting in disorder.“Have a rummage through the attic and see if you can find anything worth selling.”
- A disorganized collection of miscellaneous objects; a jumble.
- A place or room for the stowage of cargo in a ship.
Where does rummage come from?
From Middle English ronage, from Old French arrumage (compare French arrimage), from arrumer (“to arrange the cargo in the hold”) (compare French arrimer and Spanish arrumar).
Questions about saying rummage
How do you pronounce rummage?
Say RUHM-ij. The American pronunciation is /ˈrʌmɪdʒ/. In British English it is /ˈrʌmɪdʒ/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in rummage?
Rummage has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (RUHM). Broken into parts: RUHM · ij.
Do Americans and Brits say rummage the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈrʌmɪdʒ/ and the British form is /ˈrʌmɪdʒ/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.