How to Pronounce Diaphragm

To pronounce "diaphragm", say DIAPHR-agm — 2 syllables, IPA /ˈdaɪəˌfɹæm/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

diaphragm

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Accent

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Speed

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Syllables

Letters

/ˈdaɪəˌfɹæm/

🇺🇸 IPA (US)

/dˈaɪəfɹˌæm/

🇬🇧 IPA (UK)

💡 Tip for remembering “diaphragm”

"diaphragm" has 2 syllables: diaphr-agm. It rhymes with sham and damn, if that helps it stick.

What does diaphragm mean?

noun

In mammals, a sheet of muscle separating the thorax from the abdomen, contracted and relaxed in respiration to draw air into and expel air from the lungs; also called thoracic diaphragm.
Any of various membranes or sheets of muscle or ligament which separate one cavity from another.

verb

To reduce lens aperture using an optical diaphragm.
To act as a diaphragm, for example by vibrating.

Hear “diaphragm” 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 diaphragm

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

sham damn cram program slam ram clam dam jam epigram lam lamb

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "diaphragm"?▾

"Diaphragm" has 2 syllables: diaphr · agm.

What is the IPA transcription of "diaphragm"?▾

The IPA transcription of "diaphragm" is /ˈdaɪəˌfɹæm/.

What does "diaphragm" mean?▾

Diaphragm: In mammals, a sheet of muscle separating the thorax from the abdomen, contracted and relaxed in respiration to draw air into and expel air from the lungs; also called thoracic diaphragm.

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