2 syllables: Grom, met. Stress on Grom.
GRAH-mit
/ˈɡɹɑmɪt/
Grommet is pronounced GRAH-mit (/ˈɡɹɑmɪt/). It has two syllables (Grom-met), with the stress on "Grom". Grommet (noun) refers to a small ring or edge strip inserted into a hole through fabric, metal, or plastic to protect or reinforce it, or a small disc used to cushion or organize wiring. It can also denote a decorative ring in clothing or footwear. The term is common in engineering, textiles, and hardware contexts, and is often used for sealing, guiding, or spacing components.
nounGrommet (noun) refers to a small ring or edge strip inserted into a hole through fabric, metal, or plastic to protect or reinforce it, or a small disc used to cushion or organize wiring. It can also denote a decorative ring in clothing or footwear. The term is common in engineering, textiles, and hardware contexts, and is often used for sealing, guiding, or spacing components.
"The electrician threaded the wire through a plastic grommet to prevent the cable from chafing."
"She installed a metal grommet in the drapery to reinforce the hole for the rod."
"The rain shield sits around the grommet to keep water out of the panel."
US/UK/AU IPA: /ˈɡrɒm.ɪt/. The first syllable carries primary stress: GRŌM- met. Start with a hard g as in go, the r is pronounced quickly, the short o as in not, and the second syllable is a quick, clipped -met with a short, schwa-like vowel. You’ll place the tongue at the alveolar ridge for the initial /ɡr/, then relax into /ɒ/ (as in cot) and end with /mɪt/ where the first vowel is a short /ɪ/ and the final /t/ is crisp.
Two common errors: (1) Misplacing stress or softening the first syllable; ensure primary stress on GRÓM. (2) Pronouncing the second syllable as /mɛt/ or /meɪt/ instead of /mɪt/; keep a short /ɪ/ and a crisp /t/. To correct, practice GRɒM-ət with a light, rapid /m/ into a brief /ɪ/ before the /t/. Using a minimal pair like 'Grommet' vs 'Grommett' (if variant) can help confirm the rhythm and the final alveolar stop.
Across US/UK/AU, the primary difference is vowel quality in the /ɒ/ of the first syllable. In General American, /ɒ/ often shifts toward /ɑ/ or even a backed /ɒ/ near /ɑ/; in British RP, /ɒ/ remains a back rounded vowel closer to /ɒ/. Australian English typically features a broad /ɒ/ that is similar to UK but with a slightly higher tongue and more centralized vowel quality. The /ɡr/ cluster and the /mɪt/ end remain stable across accents.
The difficulty lies in the short, clipped second syllable /ɪt/ following a closed /m/ and an /ɒ/ that can vary in quality across speakers. The combination /mɪt/ is quick and can blur into /mt/ if not careful. Additionally, English speakers may misplace the primary stress, or over-articulate the second syllable. Focus on keeping the /ɒ/ clear yet not prolonged, and end with a crisp /t/. IPA guidance helps keep the exact vowel and consonant targets in view.
Grommet is a trochaic word for most speakers, meaning the primary stress is on the first syllable (GRÓM-met). The second syllable is unstressed, often reduced to a quick /ɪ/ or schwa-like vowel. Practicing with slow, then normal, then fast speed helps ensure you retain the strong first syllable while not over-emphasizing the second.
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Grommet originates from the English word gromet or gromet, which itself likely derives from the early 19th century as a culinary or theatrical term? The precise lineage is debated. The most widely accepted account links grommet to the French word grommette or grommet, a diminutive form designating a small ring or loop. The term gained traction in the 19th and early 20th centuries within technical trades, particularly in sewing, leatherwork, and hardware, where it described a small metal or plastic ring used to reinforce holes or edges. Its use expanded with industrial manufacturing as holes in hoses, cables, and panels required protection from abrasion, and grommets became standardized components in electrical, automotive, and textile applications. Over time, grommets evolved from simple metallic rings to a variety of materials, including brass, stainless steel, nylon, and rubber, to suit different environments—wet, corrosive, or high-flex. The word remains a staple in hardware catalogs and DIY guides, and is widely recognized in both industrial and consumer contexts. First known uses are documented in technical manuals and catalogues from the late 1800s to early 1900s, with increased ubiquity in the mid-20th century as manufacturing and electronics grew.
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💡 These words have similar meanings to "Grommet" and can often be used interchangeably.
🔄 These words have opposite meanings to "Grommet" and show contrast in usage.
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Words that rhyme with "Grommet"
-met sounds
Practice with these rhyming pairs to improve your pronunciation consistency:
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