How to Pronounce “gnome”

American (US)

/noʊm/

British (UK)

/nəʊm/

noun — A small mythical creature said to live underground, or an ornamental figure of one.

Example: A ceramic gnome guarded the vegetable patch.

The g is silent. Word-initial gn- is pronounced as a plain /n/ in English. Begin “gnome” on the n and the g never surfaces.

The final e is silent. The transcription /noʊm/ ends on a consonant sound, so the written e at the end of “gnome” is not pronounced.

What does "gnome" mean?

gnome (noun): A small mythical creature said to live underground, or an ornamental figure of one. For example — A ceramic gnome guarded the vegetable patch.

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

American English: /noʊm/. British English: /nəʊm/. Play both on this page to hear the difference.

What is the IPA transcription of "gnome"?

/noʊm/ in American English, /nəʊm/ in British English.

• Silent G words