The word "scimitar" is pronounced as "SIH-mih-tahr" or "SIH-mih-ter" in British English and "SIM-uh-ter" in American English.

The IPA transcription for the British pronunciation is /ˈsɪmɪtɑː/, with primary stress on the second syllable /ˈmɪt/ and secondary stress on the first syllable /sɪ/. The first vowel is pronounced as the short "ih" sound /ɪ/, followed by the short "ih" sound again in the second syllable.

The IPA transcription for the American pronunciation is /ˈsɪmətər/, with primary stress on the first syllable /ˈsɪm/ and secondary stress on the second syllable /mət/. The first vowel is pronounced as the short "ih" sound /ɪ/, followed by the schwa sound in the second syllable /ə/. The "t" at the end is not fully pronounced but rather softened into a "t" flap /ɾ/.

To pronounce "scimitar" correctly, follow these steps:

1. Start by pronouncing the "s" sound, which is unvoiced, meaning your vocal cords are not vibrating. Your tongue should be touching the back of your top front teeth, and the sound should come out evenly through the front of your mouth.
2. Next, say the "ih" sound by opening your mouth and pushing the middle of your tongue against the roof of your mouth. Keep the corners of your mouth relaxed and slightly upturned.
3. Follow this with the "m" sound by bringing your lips together and pushing the sound out of your nose.
4. For the "uh" sound, continue to keep your lips together and push the sound out of your mouth with your tongue relaxed. This sound should be shorter than the previous syllable.
5. Finish the word with either the short "ih" sound in British English or the schwa sound in American English, depending on your preferred pronunciation.
6. Finally, finish the word with the "t" sound, lightly tapping your tongue against the back of your front teeth and releasing air out of your mouth.

Remember to keep your mouth relaxed and your tongue forward to avoid any mistakes in pronunciation. Practice saying the word slowly and then gradually increase your speed until it becomes natural. With consistent practice,