How to pronounce thumbtack
Say it like THUHM-tak. Thumbtack has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (THUHM).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce thumbtack. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- THUHM
- tak
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Thumbtack pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- THUHMSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "u" in cup.
- takKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
American vs British pronunciation of thumbtack
American and British speakers say thumbtack in essentially the same way: /ˈθʌmtæk/ in the US and /ˈθʌmtæk/ in the UK.
British respelling: THUHM-tak.
What does thumbtack mean?
- A small nail-like tack with a slightly rounded head that can be pressed into place with light pressure from the thumb; used for hanging light articles on a wall or noticeboard.
- To fix or attach something with a thumbtack.
Where does thumbtack come from?
From thumb + tack.
Questions about saying thumbtack
How do you pronounce thumbtack?
Say THUHM-tak. The American pronunciation is /ˈθʌmtæk/. In British English it is /ˈθʌmtæk/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in thumbtack?
Thumbtack has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (THUHM). Broken into parts: THUHM · tak.
Do Americans and Brits say thumbtack the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈθʌmtæk/ and the British form is /ˈθʌmtæk/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.