How to pronounce scream
Say it like SKREEM. Scream is a single syllable, so the whole word carries the stress.
- SKREEM
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Scream pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- SKREEMSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of scream
American and British speakers say scream in essentially the same way: /skrim/ in the US and /skriːm/ in the UK.
British respelling: SKREEM.
What does scream mean?
- A loud, emphatic, exclamation of extreme emotion, especially horror, fear, excitement, or anger; it may comprise a word or a sustained, high-pitched vowel sound.
- A loud vocalisation of many animals, especially in response to pain or fear.
- A form of singing associated with the metal and screamo styles of music. It is a loud, rough, distorted version of the voice; rather than the normal voice of the singer.
- To cry out with a shrill voice; to utter a sudden, sharp outcry, or shrill, loud cry, as in fright or extreme pain; to screech, to shriek.
- To move quickly; to race.“He almost hit a pole, the way he came screaming down the hill.”
- To be very indicative of; clearly having the characteristics of.“Do you know what screams "I’m obnoxious"? People who feel the need to comment on every little thing they notice.”
Where does scream come from?
Inherited from Middle English scremen, borrowed from or cognate with Middle Dutch scremen (“to yell; shout”) and Old Norse skræma (“to terrify; scare”); compare West Flemish schreemen, Zealandic schreême (“to shout; yell; cry”), Swedish skr
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with scream
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of scream.
Questions about saying scream
How do you pronounce scream?
Say SKREEM. The American pronunciation is /skrim/. In British English it is /skriːm/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in scream?
Scream is a single syllable, so the whole word carries the stress. Broken into parts: SKREEM.
Do Americans and Brits say scream the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /skrim/ and the British form is /skriːm/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.