How to pronounce sputum
Say it like SPYOO-tum. Sputum has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SPYOO).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce sputum. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- SPYOO
- tum
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Sputum pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- SPYOOSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "oo" in food.
- tumKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of sputum
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: SPYOO-tum.
What does sputum mean?
- Matter coughed up and expectorated from the mouth, composed of saliva and discharges from the respiratory passages such as mucus, phlegm or pus.
Where does sputum come from?
From New Latin, from Latin sputum (“that which is spit out, spittle”), from spuere (“to spit”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying sputum
How do you pronounce sputum?
Say SPYOO-tum. The American pronunciation is /ˈspjutəm/. In British English it is /ˈspjuːtəm/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in sputum?
Sputum has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SPYOO). Broken into parts: SPYOO · tum.
Is sputum pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t. The British form is /ˈspjuːtəm/ (SPYOO-tum).