How to Pronounce Scum

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

scum

Tap to hear · American accent

Accent

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Speed

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1

Syllable

4

Letters

/skʌm/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “scum”

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

What does scum mean?

noun

  1. A layer of impurities that accumulates at the surface of a liquid (especially molten metal or water).

    “During smelting, scum rises to the surface and is then removed by the smelter.”

  2. A greenish water vegetation (such as algae), usually found floating on the surface of ponds

    “These organisms form scum in large quantities.”

verb

  1. To remove the layer of scum from (a liquid etc.).
  2. To remove (something) as scum.

Synonyms

drossimpuritiescinderscoriaeslagbastard

Hear “scum” 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 scum

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

thrumglumbumsuccumbhumhumdrumoutcomeovercomeplumbnumbcomeplum

Related words

trashdrossfilthyfilthdirtyjunkwasterubbish

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "scum"?▾

"Scum" has one syllable.

What is the IPA transcription of "scum"?▾

The IPA transcription of "scum" is /skʌm/.

What does "scum" mean?▾

Scum: A layer of impurities that accumulates at the surface of a liquid (especially molten metal or water).

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