English pronunciation · Words Starting with A
Alum Pronunciation
Alum is pronounced A-luhm, IPA /ˈæləm/.
A-luhm
US /ˈæləm/
Syllables: A · luhm (2 syllables, stress on syllable 1)
noun: A mineral salt used in dyeing and water treatment; in American speech, also a short form of alumnus or alumna.
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Two Ways to Say Alum
The pronunciation changes with the meaning or the part of speech. The form above is the most common; the others are:
- uh-LUHM, the former student: /əˈləm/ (uh-LUHM)
Alum in a Sentence
- A pinch of alum keeps the pickles crisp.
- Alum has been used to fix dye for centuries.
- She is an alum of the same college.
Common Mispronunciations of Alum
Not uh-LOOM
Hold the vowel at the uh of drum and keep it well away from the oo of loom.
Not A-luhm, meaning the graduate
Shift the beat to the back when you mean a former student, which gives uh-LUHM.
Tip: The mineral keeps the beat in front; the graduate puts it at the back.
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