How to Pronounce “fibromyalgia”

American (US)

/ˌfaɪbroʊmaɪˈældʒə/

British (UK)

/ˌfaɪbrəʊmaɪˈældʒə/

noun — A condition characterized by chronic pain, stiffness, and tenderness of the muscles, tendons, and joints.

Where the stress falls. “fibromyalgia” has 5 syllables, and the transcription /ˌfaɪbroʊmaɪˈældʒə/ puts the primary stress mark (ˈ) before the fourth one — so the fourth syllable is the longest and loudest. The others are said quickly and lightly.

An unstressed vowel reduces to schwa. /ˌfaɪbroʊmaɪˈældʒə/ contains a schwa /ə/ — the short, neutral “uh” that English unstressed syllables collapse into. Saying /ə/ there, instead of the vowel the spelling suggests, is most of what makes the word sound native.

What does "fibromyalgia" mean?

fibromyalgia (noun): A condition characterized by chronic pain, stiffness, and tenderness of the muscles, tendons, and joints.

How do you pronounce "fibromyalgia" in American vs British English?

American English: /ˌfaɪbroʊmaɪˈældʒə/. British English: /ˌfaɪbrəʊmaɪˈældʒə/. Play both on this page to hear the difference.

What is the IPA transcription of "fibromyalgia"?

/ˌfaɪbroʊmaɪˈældʒə/ in American English, /ˌfaɪbrəʊmaɪˈældʒə/ in British English.

Which syllable is stressed in "fibromyalgia"?

“fibromyalgia” has 5 syllables, and the transcription /ˌfaɪbroʊmaɪˈældʒə/ puts the primary stress mark (ˈ) before the fourth one — so the fourth syllable is the longest and loudest. The others are said quickly and lightly.