How to pronounce sample
Say it like SAM-pul. Sample has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SAM).
- SAM
- pul
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Sample pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- SAMSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
- pulKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of sample
American and British speakers say sample in essentially the same way: /ˈsæmpəl/ in the US and /ˈsæmpəl/ in the UK.
British respelling: SAM-pul.
What does sample mean?
- A part or snippet of something taken or presented for inspection, or shown as evidence of the quality of the whole; a specimen.“a blood sample”
- A subset or portion of a population that is systematically selected for measurement, observation, or questioning, with the objective of generating statistical information that accurately reflects the characteristics of the entire population.“Large samples are generally more reliable than small samples due to having less variability.”
- A small quantity of food for tasting, typically given away for free.
- To take or to test a sample or samples of.
- To reduce a continuous signal (such as a sound wave) to a discrete signal.
- To reuse a portion of (an existing sound recording) in a new piece of music.
Where does sample come from?
Inherited from Middle English saumple, sample, from Old French essample (“example”), from Latin exemplum.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with sample
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of sample.
Questions about saying sample
How do you pronounce sample?
Say SAM-pul. The American pronunciation is /ˈsæmpəl/. In British English it is /ˈsæmpəl/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in sample?
Sample has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SAM). Broken into parts: SAM · pul.
Do Americans and Brits say sample the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈsæmpəl/ and the British form is /ˈsæmpəl/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.