How to Pronounce Calm

To pronounce "calm", say CALM — one syllable, IPA /kam/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

calm

Tap to hear · American accent

Accent

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Speed

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Syllable

Letters

/kam/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “calm”

"calm" is a single-syllable word — say it in one clean beat. It rhymes with glaum and qualm, if that helps it stick.

Sounds exactly like: com, qom — easy to mix up when writing.

What does calm mean?

noun

(in a person) The state of being calm; peacefulness; absence of worry, anger, fear or other strong negative emotion.
(in a place or situation) The state of being calm; absence of noise and disturbance.

verb

To make calm.
“to calm a crying baby”
To become calm.

adjective

(of a person) Peaceful, quiet, especially free from anger and anxiety.
(of a place or situation) Free of noise and disturbance.

Synonyms

allay appease calm down cool off ease pacify quieten soothe

Antonyms

agitate excite anxious nervous stressed disturbed stormy windy

Hear “calm” in real sentences

Real example sentences from Tatoeba (CC-BY) — tap to hear each one, or see it used on YouGlish.

Words that rhyme with calm

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

glaum qualm aplomb balm becalm palm tom psalm mom shawm embalm scomm

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "calm"?▾

"Calm" has one syllable.

What is the IPA transcription of "calm"?▾

The IPA transcription of "calm" is /kam/.

What does "calm" mean?▾

Calm: (in a person) The state of being calm; peacefulness; absence of worry, anger, fear or other strong negative emotion.

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