How to pronounce abut
Say it like uh-BUHT. Abut has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (BUHT).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce abut. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- uh
- BUHT
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Abut pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- BUHTSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "u" in cup.
American vs British pronunciation of abut
American and British speakers say abut in essentially the same way: /əˈbʌt/ in the US and /əˈbʌt/ in the UK.
British respelling: uh-BUHT.
What does abut mean?
- To touch by means of a mutual border, edge or end; to border on; to lie adjacent (to); to be contiguous (said of an area of land)“It was a time when Germany still abutted upon Russia.”
- To border upon; be next to; abut on; be adjacent to.
- To lean against on one end; to end on, of a part of a building or wall.
Where does abut come from?
From Middle English abutten, from Medieval Latin abuttare and Old French abuter, aboter, abouter (“to touch at one end, to come to an end, aim, reach”), from Old French but (“end, aim, purpose”); akin to Old Norse butr (“piece of wood”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with abut
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of abut.
Questions about saying abut
How do you pronounce abut?
Say uh-BUHT. The American pronunciation is /əˈbʌt/. In British English it is /əˈbʌt/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in abut?
Abut has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (BUHT). Broken into parts: uh · BUHT.
Do Americans and Brits say abut the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /əˈbʌt/ and the British form is /əˈbʌt/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.