How to pronounce adult
Say it like uh-DUHLT. Adult has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (DUHLT).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce adult. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- uh
- DUHLT
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Tip: Both 'uh-DULT' and 'AD-ult' are common in American English. Britons more often stress the first syllable.
Adult 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.
- DUHLTSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "u" in cup.
American vs British pronunciation of adult
- The stress moves: Americans stress syllable 2, while British speakers stress syllable 1.
British respelling: AD-ult.
Other ways to say adult
Adult also has this pronunciation, usually with a different meaning or use:
- AD-ult /ˈædəlt/
What does adult mean?
- a fully developed person from maturity onward
- any mature animal
- (of animals) fully developed“an adult animal”“a grown woman”
- designed to arouse lust“pornographic films and magazines”“adult movies”
Where does adult come from?
From French adulte, from Latin adultus (“grown up”), perfect passive participle of adolescō (“to grow up”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Opposite meaning
Words that rhyme with adult
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of adult.
Questions about saying adult
How do you pronounce adult?
Say uh-DUHLT. The American pronunciation is /əˈdʌlt/. In British English it is /ˈædʌlt/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in adult?
Adult has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (DUHLT). Broken into parts: uh · DUHLT.
Is adult pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. The stress moves: Americans stress syllable 2, while British speakers stress syllable 1. The British form is /ˈædʌlt/ (AD-ult).