How to pronounce cracking
Say it like KRAK-ing. Cracking has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KRAK).
- KRAK
- ing
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Cracking pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- KRAKSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
- ingKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of cracking
American and British speakers say cracking in essentially the same way: /ˈkrækɪŋ/ in the US and /ˈkrækɪŋ/ in the UK.
British respelling: KRAK-ing.
What does cracking mean?
- The thermal decomposition of a substance, especially that of crude petroleum in order to produce petrol / gasoline.
- The formation of cracks on a surface.
- The production of a crack sound.“the crackings of whips”
- That cracks; that produces a sharp sound as of something splitting or breaking.
- Great; excellent.“The race started at a cracking pace.”
- Enjoyable.“We had a cracking time.”
- Very, usually associated with praise.“It was a cracking good show.”
Where does cracking come from?
Inherited from Middle English crakynge.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with cracking
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of cracking.
Questions about saying cracking
How do you pronounce cracking?
Say KRAK-ing. The American pronunciation is /ˈkrækɪŋ/. In British English it is /ˈkrækɪŋ/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in cracking?
Cracking has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KRAK). Broken into parts: KRAK · ing.
Do Americans and Brits say cracking the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈkrækɪŋ/ and the British form is /ˈkrækɪŋ/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.