How to pronounce contestant
Say it like kun-TES-tunt. Contestant has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (TES).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce contestant. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- kun
- TES
- tunt
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Contestant pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- kunKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- TESSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- tuntKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of contestant
American and British speakers say contestant in essentially the same way: /kənˈtɛstənt/ in the US and /kənˈtɛstənt/ in the UK.
British respelling: kun-TES-tunt.
What does contestant mean?
- A participant in a contest; specifically, a person who plays a game, as on a TV game show.
- One who brings a legal challenge (such as a will, verdict, or decision).
Where does contestant come from?
From French contestant, present participle of contester.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying contestant
How do you pronounce contestant?
Say kun-TES-tunt. The American pronunciation is /kənˈtɛstənt/. In British English it is /kənˈtɛstənt/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in contestant?
Contestant has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (TES). Broken into parts: kun · TES · tunt.
Do Americans and Brits say contestant the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /kənˈtɛstənt/ and the British form is /kənˈtɛstənt/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.