How to Pronounce “plumber”

American (US)

/ˈplʌmər/

British (UK)

/ˈplʌmə/

Australian (AU)

/ˈplɐm.ə/

noun — A tradesperson who installs and repairs water and drainage systems.

Example: The plumber found the leak behind the wall.

Where the stress falls. “plumber” has 2 syllables, and the transcription /ˈplʌmər/ puts the primary stress mark (ˈ) before the first one — so the first syllable is the longest and loudest. The others are said quickly and lightly.

An unstressed vowel reduces to schwa. /ˈplʌmər/ 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 "plumber" mean?

plumber (noun): A tradesperson who installs and repairs water and drainage systems. For example — The plumber found the leak behind the wall.

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

American English: /ˈplʌmər/. British English: /ˈplʌmə/. Play both on this page to hear the difference.

What is the IPA transcription of "plumber"?

/ˈplʌmər/ in American English, /ˈplʌmə/ in British English, /ˈplɐm.ə/ in Australian English.

Which syllable is stressed in "plumber"?

“plumber” has 2 syllables, and the transcription /ˈplʌmər/ puts the primary stress mark (ˈ) before the first one — so the first syllable is the longest and loudest. The others are said quickly and lightly.

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