How to pronounce shibboleth
Say it like SHIB-uh-leth. Shibboleth has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SHIB).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce shibboleth. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- SHIB
- uh
- leth
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Shibboleth pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- SHIBSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- lethGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
American vs British pronunciation of shibboleth
American and British speakers say shibboleth in essentially the same way: /ˈʃɪbəˌlɛθ/ in the US and /ˈʃɪbəˌlɛθ/ in the UK.
British respelling: SHIB-uh-leth.
What does shibboleth mean?
- A particular pronunciation or custom that is regarded as distinguishing members of a group from non-members, especially when used as a test.
- A common or longstanding belief, custom, or catchphrase associated with a particular group, especially one with little current meaning or truth.“It's about time we abandoned the bourgeois shibboleth that earning money makes you a better person.”
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying shibboleth
How do you pronounce shibboleth?
Say SHIB-uh-leth. The American pronunciation is /ˈʃɪbəˌlɛθ/. In British English it is /ˈʃɪbəˌlɛθ/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in shibboleth?
Shibboleth has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SHIB). Broken into parts: SHIB · uh · leth.
Do Americans and Brits say shibboleth the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈʃɪbəˌlɛθ/ and the British form is /ˈʃɪbəˌlɛθ/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.