How to pronounce timbre
Say it like TIM-ber. Timbre has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (TIM).
- TIM
- ber
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Timbre pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- TIMSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- berKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of timbre
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: TAM-bruh.
What does timbre mean?
- The quality of a sound independent of its pitch and volume.
- The pitch of a sound as heard by the ear, described relative to its absolute pitch.“When someone speaks after inhaling helium, his voice has a higher timbre. With sulfur hexafluoride, the result is a lower timbre.”
- The crest on a (helmet atop a) coat of arms.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with timbre
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of timbre.
Words that sound like timbre
Questions about saying timbre
How do you pronounce timbre?
Say TIM-ber. The American pronunciation is /ˈtɪmbɚ/. In British English it is /ˈtæmbrə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in timbre?
Timbre has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (TIM). Broken into parts: TIM · ber.
Is timbre 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 /ˈtæmbrə/ (TAM-bruh).
What words sound the same as timbre?
Timbre sounds the same as timber in American English. The spelling and meaning are what tell them apart.