How to pronounce slumber
Say it like SLUHM-ber. Slumber has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SLUHM).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce slumber. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- SLUHM
- ber
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Slumber pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- SLUHMSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "u" in cup.
- berKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of slumber
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: SLUHM-buh.
What does slumber mean?
- To be in a very light state of sleep, almost awake.
- To be inactive or negligent.
- A very light state of sleep, almost awake.
- A very heavy state of sleep.
- A state of ignorance or inaction.
Where does slumber come from?
Cognate with West Frisian slommerje, slûmerje (“to slumber”), Dutch sluimeren (“to slumber”), German schlummern (“to slumber, doze”), Swedish slummer (“to slumber”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with slumber
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of slumber.
Questions about saying slumber
How do you pronounce slumber?
Say SLUHM-ber. The American pronunciation is /ˈslʌmbɚ/. In British English it is /ˈslʌmbə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in slumber?
Slumber has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SLUHM). Broken into parts: SLUHM · ber.
Is slumber pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /ˈslʌmbə/ (SLUHM-buh).