2 syllables: Bom, bay. Stress on bay.
bahm-BAY
/bɑˈmbeɪ/
Bombay is pronounced bahm-BAY (/bɑˈmbeɪ/). It has two syllables (Bom-bay), with the stress on "bay". Bombay is a former official name for the Indian city now commonly called Mumbai. As a noun, it refers to the city in a historical or literary context, or to the British-era term in some colonial-era references. The term is mostly encountered in historical discussions, old literature, or in phrases like “Bombay duck.”.
nounBombay is a former official name for the Indian city now commonly called Mumbai. As a noun, it refers to the city in a historical or literary context, or to the British-era term in some colonial-era references. The term is mostly encountered in historical discussions, old literature, or in phrases like “Bombay duck.”
"The memoir mentions Bombay in its chapters about pre-independence trade."
"Architectural plans from the colonial era refer to Bombay as the port city."
"She collected stamps labeled ‘Bombay’ from early 1900s correspondence."
Bombay is pronounced /bɒmˈbeɪ/ in US, UK, and AU English. It has two syllables with primary stress on the second syllable: bom-BAY. Start with /bɒ/ like “bomb” without the /b/ release, then release into /ˈbeɪ/ as a long A diphthong. Audio resources: you can compare via Cambridge or Forvo; think of rhyme with “go away” minus the first syllable.
Common mistakes include treating it as two equal syllables bom-BAY with misplaced stress, or pronouncing the second syllable as /baɪ/ or /bei/ with a flat vowel. Also, the initial /ɒ/ may be mismade as /ɑː/ or shortened. Correct it by keeping /ɒ/ as in ‘lot’ and ensuring the /beɪ/ portion has a clear glide from /eɪ/ to /ɪ/ rounding. Practice by saying bom (short) + BAY with a crisp separation.”
Across US, UK, AU, the rhyme and stress remain the same: bom- BAY with /ɒ/ in BOM. The difference lies in rhoticity or vowel color: US may have a slightly more open /ɒ/ or /ɑ/ depending on speaker; UK and AU tend to a more rounded /ɒ/ or /ɔ/ quality. Listen for the glide in /beɪ/: some speakers produce a tighter /eɪ/ or a more pronounced /ɛɪ/. In general, the primary difference is accent-driven vowel color, while stress stays on BAY.”
The difficulty stems from the second syllable’s diphthong /eɪ/ and the need to avoid over- or under-articulating the first syllable /bɒm/. The alveolar stop at the start blends quickly to the open back vowel, then into the rising diphthong /eɪ/. Achieve accuracy by isolating syllables: bom + BAY, ensure the /m/ link remains closed and the /b/ is released cleanly in the first element.”
Utilize native speech sources: Cambridge/Oxford phonetic entries, Forvo pronunciations by speakers from India/UK/US, and YouGlish clips for various contexts. Focus on the two-syllable rhythm and the /ɒ/ to /beɪ/ transition. Record yourself saying bom- BAY, compare to reference audio, adjust mouth openness and lip rounding to match the pressed rounded /beɪ/ glide.
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Bombay derives from the Portuguese name Bombay, which according to some sources is a calque from the Marathi and Konkani names for the island Fort, or from the local word bom—referring to good fish or good bay, though the exact origin remains debated. The name appears in English texts from at least the 17th century, when European traders established fortified settlements along the western coast of India. The term entered formal usage in British colonial administration and in maps, often used interchangeably with the Marathi-derived name Mumbai in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as political and cultural pressures shifted naming conventions. The shift toward Mumbai gained official traction in 1995 and became the standard in modern usage, though Bombay persists in literary, historical, and some common expressions (e.g., Bombay duck). The dual naming reflects colonial legacies, linguistic adaptation, and evolving local identity, with Bombay primarily appearing in older texts and in certain fixed phrases and brand names.
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💡 These words have similar meanings to "Bombay" and can often be used interchangeably.
🔄 These words have opposite meanings to "Bombay" and show contrast in usage.
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Words that rhyme with "Bombay"
-azy sounds
Practice with these rhyming pairs to improve your pronunciation consistency:
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