How to pronounce "custom"

custom

Noun
American
/ˈkʌstəm/

Syllable Breakdown

cus tom

How natives say custom

British
/ˈkʌstəm/

Syllable Breakdown

cus tom

How natives say custom

Pronunciation Guide In American

Pronunciation Steps

  • Start with 'cus', rhyming with 'bus'.

  • Use a short 'u' sound, like in 'cup'.

  • End with 'tom', stress the first syllable.

Common Mistakes

  • cus-tum (too long 'u')

  • cus-tom (wrong syllable stress)

  • kus-tum (wrong initial sound)

Pronunciation Guide In British

Pronunciation Steps

  • Same as American

  • Same as American

  • Same as American

common mistakes

  • Same as American

  • Same as American

  • Same as American

FAQ

Which syllable is stressed?

The first syllable 'cus' is stressed.

Is the 'u' long or short?

The 'u' is short, as in 'cup'.

Are the pronunciations different in the UK and US?

No, they are generally the same.

Definition

custom

A traditional practice or behavior in a community.

Word Family

customer

/ˈkʌstəmər/

noun

A person who buys goods.

Example: The customer is always right.

customary

/ˈkʌstəˌmɛri/

adjective

According to tradition.

Example: It is customary to shake hands.

customize

/ˈkʌstəˌmaɪz/

verb

To modify for a specific need.

Example: We can customize the service for you.

Key Pronunciation Differences

Ends in '-tom' not '-tomer' like customer.

Stressed first syllable, unlike customary.

Shorter ending than customize.

Pro Tips

Focus on Stress

Always stress the first syllable 'cus'.

Practice 'u'

Make sure your 'u' is like in 'cup', not 'coo'.

Nearby Words

Test Your Pronunciation On Words That Have Sound Similarities With Custom

agenda

/əˈdʒɛn.də/

amend

/əˈmɛnd/

anniversary

/ˌænɪˈvɜrsəri/

attend

/əˈtɛnd/

authorize

/ˈɔθəˌraɪz/

beforehand

/bɪˈfɔːrhænd/

center

/ˈsɛn.tɚ/

chronicle

/ˈkrɑːnɪkl̩/

Other Categories

Test Your Pronunciation On Words Within Other Categories

adjoin

abroad

ability