How to pronounce sunbeam
Say it like SUHN-beem. Sunbeam has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SUHN).
- SUHN
- beem
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Sunbeam pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- SUHNSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "u" in cup.
- beemGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of sunbeam
American and British speakers say sunbeam in essentially the same way: /ˈsʌnˌbim/ in the US and /ˈsʌnˌbiːm/ in the UK.
British respelling: SUHN-beem.
What does sunbeam mean?
- A ray of sunlight; especially, a demarcated, narrow, and intense (relative to ambient light) ray of sunlight (as revealed by, for example, its diffraction among dust particles).
- Any of various lycaenid butterflies of the genus Curetis.
- Any hummingbird of the genus Aglaeactis.
Where does sunbeam come from?
From Middle English sonnebem, sonnebeem, from Old English sunnbēam, sunnebēam (“sunbeam”), equivalent to sun + beam.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
- sunshaft
- sunray
Questions about saying sunbeam
How do you pronounce sunbeam?
Say SUHN-beem. The American pronunciation is /ˈsʌnˌbim/. In British English it is /ˈsʌnˌbiːm/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in sunbeam?
Sunbeam has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SUHN). Broken into parts: SUHN · beem.
Do Americans and Brits say sunbeam the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈsʌnˌbim/ and the British form is /ˈsʌnˌbiːm/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.