How to pronounce batten
Say it like BAT-un. Batten has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (BAT).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce batten. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- BAT
- un
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Batten pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- BATSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
- unKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of batten
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: BAT-un.
What does batten mean?
- A plank or strip of wood, or several of such strips arranged side by side, used in construction to hold members of a structure together, to provide a fixing point, to strengthen, or to prevent warping.
- A strip of wood holding a number of lamps; especially (theater), one used for illuminating a stage; (by extension, also attributive) a long bar, usually metal, affixed to the ceiling or fly system and used to support curtains, scenery, etc.
- A long, narrow strip, originally of wood but now also of fibreglass, metal, etc., used for various purposes aboard a ship; especially one attached to a mast or spar for protection, one holding down the edge of a tarpaulin covering a hatch to prevent water from entering the hatch, one inserted in a p
- To become better; to improve in condition; especially of animals, by feeding; to fatten up.
- Of land, soil, etc.: to become fertile; also, of plants: to grow lush.
- Followed by on: to eat greedily; to glut.
- To furnish (something) with battens (noun etymology 2, noun sense 1).
- Chiefly followed by down: to fasten or secure (a hatch, opening, etc.) using battens (noun etymology 2, noun sense 2.2).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with batten
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of batten.
Words that sound like batten
Questions about saying batten
How do you pronounce batten?
Say BAT-un. The American pronunciation is /ˈbætən/. In British English it is /ˈbætən/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in batten?
Batten has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (BAT). Broken into parts: BAT · un.
Is batten pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t. The British form is /ˈbætən/ (BAT-un).
What words sound the same as batten?
Batten sounds the same as baton in American English. The spelling and meaning are what tell them apart.