How to pronounce specimen
Say it like SPES-uh-mun. Specimen has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SPES).
- SPES
- uh
- mun
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Specimen pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- SPESSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- munKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of specimen
American and British speakers say specimen in essentially the same way: /ˈspɛsəmən/ in the US and /ˈspɛsɪmən/ in the UK.
British respelling: SPES-ih-mun.
What does specimen mean?
- An individual instance that represents a class; an example.“early specimens of the art of Picasso”
- A banknote printed for distribution to central banks to aid in the recognition of banknotes from a country other than their own
- A postage stamp sent to postmasters and postal administrations so that they are able to identify valid stamps and to avoid forgeries
Where does specimen come from?
From Latin specimen (“mark, sign, example”), from speciō (“observe, watch”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying specimen
How do you pronounce specimen?
Say SPES-uh-mun. The American pronunciation is /ˈspɛsəmən/. In British English it is /ˈspɛsɪmən/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in specimen?
Specimen has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SPES). Broken into parts: SPES · uh · mun.
Do Americans and Brits say specimen the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈspɛsəmən/ and the British form is /ˈspɛsɪmən/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.