Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

pediment

/ˈpɛd.ɪ.mənt/

Word Rarity Very rare

Frequency: Zipf frequency 2.31 in modern English

Syllables: ped-i-ment
IPA: /ˈpɛd.ɪ.mənt/

13

Scrabble Score

8

Letters

3

Syllables

7

Unique Chars

Meaning

noun

A classical architectural element consisting of a triangular section or gable found above the horizontal superstructure (entablature) which lies immediately upon the columns; fronton.

noun

A very gently sloping (0.5°-7°) inclined bedrock surface.

Example Sentences

"Passing the Congregation Shearith Israel on Central Park West (a white whale of a building with a triangular pediment supported by four count ’em four massive Corinthian columns), Professor Solanka scurrying through the downpour remembered the newly bat-mitzvahed thirteen-year-old girl he’d glimpsed through the side door, […]"

Etymology

From the earlier form peremint, perhaps a dialectal alteration of pyramid, under the influence of -ment.

Regional Pronunciation

British English: /ˈpɛd.ɪ.mənt/

Inflected Forms

pediments (plural)

Derived Forms

pedimental pedimented

Phrases

gooseneck pediment

Frequently Paired Words

frontispiece tympanum

Rhymes With

sediment

Questions

How do you pronounce pediment?: The recorded pronunciation is /ˈpɛd.ɪ.mənt/.
What does pediment mean?: A classical architectural element consisting of a triangular section or gable found above the horizontal superstructure (entablature) which lies immediately upon the columns; fronton.
Where does pediment come from?: From the earlier form peremint, perhaps a dialectal alteration of pyramid, under the influence of -ment.

How to pronounce pediment

Open the pronunciation page — Open the Speakur entry for “pediment”.
Read the phonetic spelling — Read the IPA spelling (/ˈpɛd.ɪ.mənt/) so you know which sounds to aim for.
Play the audio — Click Play to hear reference audio for “pediment”.
Repeat and practice — Say “pediment” aloud, matching stress and vowels until it feels natural.