How to pronounce block
Say it like BLOK. Block is a single syllable, so the whole word carries the stress.
- BLOK
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Block pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- BLOKSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
American vs British pronunciation of block
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
British respelling: BLOK.
What does block mean?
- A substantial, often approximately cuboid, piece of any substance.“a block of ice; a block of stone”
- A chopping block: a cuboid base for cutting or beheading.“Anne Boleyn placed her head on the block and awaited her execution.”
- A wig block: a simplified head model upon which wigs are worn.
- To fill or obstruct (something) so that it is not possible to pass.“The pipe was blocked by leaves.”
- To prevent (something or someone) from passing.“A broken-down car is blocking the traffic.”
- To prevent (something from happening or someone from doing something).“His plan to take over the business was blocked by the boss.”
Where does block come from?
From Middle English blok (“log, stump, solid piece”), from Old French bloc (“log, block”), from Middle Dutch blok (“treetrunk”), from Old Dutch *blok (“log”), from Proto-West Germanic *blokk, from Proto-Germanic *blukką (“beam, log”), from
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Opposite meaning
Words that rhyme with block
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of block.
Words that sound like block
- bloc
- bloch
Questions about saying block
How do you pronounce block?
Say BLOK. The American pronunciation is /blɑk/. In British English it is /blɒk/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in block?
Block is a single syllable, so the whole word carries the stress. Broken into parts: BLOK.
Is block pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English. The British form is /blɒk/ (BLOK).
What words sound the same as block?
Block sounds the same as bloc, bloch in American English. The spelling and meaning are what tell them apart.