How to pronounce ultimatum
Say it like uhl-tuh-MAY-tum. Ultimatum has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (MAY).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce ultimatum. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- uhl
- tuh
- MAY
- tum
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Ultimatum pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- uhlGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "u" in cup.
- tuhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- MAYSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
- tumKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of ultimatum
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: uhl-tuh-MAY-tum.
What does ultimatum mean?
- A final statement of terms or conditions made by one party to another, especially one that expresses a threat of reprisal or war if the terms are not met before some specified date and time.
- An intended final statement of terms or conditions made by one party to another in a negotiation.
Where does ultimatum come from?
From Latin ultimatus (“late, last final”), from Latin ultimus (“extreme, last, furthest, farthest, final”).
Words that rhyme with ultimatum
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of ultimatum.
Questions about saying ultimatum
How do you pronounce ultimatum?
Say uhl-tuh-MAY-tum. The American pronunciation is /ˌʌltəˈmeɪtəm/. In British English it is /ˌʌltəˈmeɪtəm/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in ultimatum?
Ultimatum has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (MAY). Broken into parts: uhl · tuh · MAY · tum.
Is ultimatum 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 /ˌʌltəˈmeɪtəm/ (uhl-tuh-MAY-tum).