How to Pronounce Penumbra

To pronounce "penumbra", say PEN-umbr-a — 3 syllables, IPA /pəˈnʌmbɹə/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

penumbra

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Accent

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Speed

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3

Syllables

8

Letters

/pəˈnʌmbɹə/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “penumbra”

"penumbra" has 3 syllables: pen-umbr-a. It rhymes with umbra and lumbra, if that helps it stick.

What does penumbra mean?

noun

  1. A partially shaded area around the edges of a shadow, especially an eclipse.
  2. A region around the edge of a sunspot, darker than the sun's surface but lighter than the middle of the sunspot.

Synonyms

grey areaoutskirtperiphery

Words that rhyme with penumbra

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

umbralumbra

Related words

auraumbraantumbraborderundermarginambitusperipheryfringe

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "penumbra"?▾

"Penumbra" has 3 syllables: pen · umbr · a.

What is the IPA transcription of "penumbra"?▾

The IPA transcription of "penumbra" is /pəˈnʌmbɹə/.

What does "penumbra" mean?▾

Penumbra: A partially shaded area around the edges of a shadow, especially an eclipse.

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