How to pronounce auction
Say it like AHK-shun. Auction has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (AHK).
- AHK
- shun
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Auction pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- AHKSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- shunKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of auction
American and British speakers say auction in essentially the same way: /ˈɑkʃən/ in the US and /ˈɔːkʃən/ in the UK.
British respelling: AWK-shun.
Other ways to say auction
Auction also has this pronunciation, usually with a different meaning or use:
- AWK-shun /ˈɔkʃən/
What does auction mean?
- A public event where goods or property are sold to the highest bidder.
- The first stage of a deal, in which players bid to determine the final contract.
- To sell at an auction.
Where does auction come from?
From Latin auctiō (“an increase, auction”), from augere (“to increase”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
- auction bridge
- auction sale
- vendue
- auction off
- auctioneer
Words that rhyme with auction
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of auction.
Questions about saying auction
How do you pronounce auction?
Say AHK-shun. The American pronunciation is /ˈɑkʃən/. In British English it is /ˈɔːkʃən/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in auction?
Auction has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (AHK). Broken into parts: AHK · shun.
Do Americans and Brits say auction the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈɑkʃən/ and the British form is /ˈɔːkʃən/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.