How to Pronounce “tomb”

American (US)

/tum/

British (UK)

/tuːm/

noun — A small building, or a room within one, for the remains of the dead, with walls, a roof, and (if it is to be used for more than one corpse) a door. It may be partly or wholly in the ground (except for its entrance) in a cemetery, or it may be inside a church proper or in its crypt. Single tombs may be permanently sealed; those for families (or other groups) have doors for access whenever needed.

The final b is silent. A b after m at the end of a word is never pronounced in English. “tomb” ends on the /m/ sound, with the mouth closed and no release.

What does "tomb" mean?

tomb (noun): A small building, or a room within one, for the remains of the dead, with walls, a roof, and (if it is to be used for more than one corpse) a door. It may be partly or wholly in the ground (except for its entrance) in a cemetery, or it may be inside a church proper or in its crypt. Single tombs may be permanently sealed; those for families (or other groups) have doors for access whenever needed.

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

American English: /tum/. British English: /tuːm/. Play both on this page to hear the difference.

What is the IPA transcription of "tomb"?

/tum/ in American English, /tuːm/ in British English.

• Silent B words