How to Pronounce Tom

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

tom

Tap to hear · American accent

Accent

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Speed

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1

Syllable

3

Letters

/tɒm/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “tom”

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

Sounds exactly like: thom — easy to mix up when writing.

What does tom mean?

noun

  1. A flat gong (without knob) that is struck with a felt-covered hammer.

noun

  1. The male of the domesticated cat.
  2. The male of the turkey.

noun

  1. A small joined pair of drums, beaten with the hands.
  2. (usually as a pair) Any cylindrical drum, with no snare; part of a drum kit.

Synonyms

he-cattomcatmaleturkey-cock

Hear “tom” 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 tom

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

calmglaumqualmaplombbalmbecalmpalmpsalmmomshawmembalmscomm

Related words

tomcatgobblertumsouptangsandyhollow

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "tom"?▾

"Tom" has one syllable.

What is the IPA transcription of "tom"?▾

The IPA transcription of "tom" is /tɒm/.

What does "tom" mean?▾

Tom: A flat gong (without knob) that is struck with a felt-covered hammer.

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