How to Pronounce Spectrum

To pronounce "spectrum", say SPECTR-um — 2 syllables, IPA /ˈspektɹəm/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

spectrum

Tap to hear · American accent

Accent

If an accent sounds the same, your device is missing that voice — it falls back to the closest one.

Speed

Syllable by syllable — tap each one

Practice: Record & Compare

Record yourself saying spectrum, then compare with the target. Your audio stays on this device — nothing is uploaded.

2

Syllables

8

Letters

/ˈspektɹəm/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “spectrum”

"spectrum" has 2 syllables: spectr-um. It rhymes with plectrum, if that helps it stick.

What does spectrum mean?

noun

  1. A range; a continuous, infinite, one-dimensional set, possibly bounded by extremes.
  2. Specifically, a range of colours representing light (electromagnetic radiation) of contiguous frequencies; hence electromagnetic spectrum, visible spectrum, ultraviolet spectrum, etc.

Hear “spectrum” 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 spectrum

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

plectrum

Related words

continuumlinespherenumberradiofrequencyuniverseradioshadow

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "spectrum"?▾

"Spectrum" has 2 syllables: spectr · um.

What is the IPA transcription of "spectrum"?▾

The IPA transcription of "spectrum" is /ˈspektɹəm/.

What does "spectrum" mean?▾

Spectrum: A range; a continuous, infinite, one-dimensional set, possibly bounded by extremes.

Want the definition, translations into 8 languages, and read-aloud for full sentences?

Open “spectrum” in the full dictionary →