How to pronounce tinnitus
Say it like TIN-ih-tus. Tinnitus has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (TIN).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce tinnitus. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- TIN
- ih
- tus
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Tinnitus pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- TINSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- ihKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- tusKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of tinnitus
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: TIN-ih-tus.
What does tinnitus mean?
- The experience of auditory sensations, such as a ringing or pulsating sound, occurring in the absence of any external stimulus.
Where does tinnitus come from?
Learned borrowing from Latin tinnītus (“a jingling, ringing”).
Questions about saying tinnitus
How do you pronounce tinnitus?
Say TIN-ih-tus. The American pronunciation is /ˈtɪnɪtəs/. In British English it is /ˈtɪnɪtəs/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in tinnitus?
Tinnitus has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (TIN). Broken into parts: TIN · ih · tus.
Is tinnitus 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 /ˈtɪnɪtəs/ (TIN-ih-tus).