phonemic

adjective

pho·​ne·​mic fə-ˈnē-mik How to pronounce phonemic (audio)
fō-
1
: of, relating to, or having the characteristics of a phoneme
2
a
: constituting members of different phonemes (such as \n\ and \m\ in English)
b
: distinctive sense 2
phonemically
fə-ˈnē-mi-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce phonemic (audio)
fō-
adverb

Examples of phonemic in a Sentence

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Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Perhaps a language could lose phonemic diversity in the same way as its speakers dwindle during the long voyage from island to island. — Cody Cottier, Discover Magazine, 21 Oct. 2024 By building oral language, children develop phonemic awareness and learn to notice, think about and work with the individual sounds in spoken words — skills taught and developed in transitional kindergarten. — Ana Tramp, Los Angeles Times, 18 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

phoneme + -ic entry 1

First Known Use

1921, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of phonemic was in 1921

Rhymes for phonemic

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Cite this Entry

“Phonemic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/phonemic. Accessed 20 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

phonemic

adjective
pho·​ne·​mic fə-ˈnē-mik How to pronounce phonemic (audio)
1
: of, relating to, or having the characteristics of a phoneme
2
: being different phonemes
phonemically
-mi-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce phonemic (audio)
adverb
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