How to pronounce dab
Say it like DAB. Dab is a single syllable, so the whole word carries the stress.
- DAB
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Dab pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- DABSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
American vs British pronunciation of dab
American and British speakers say dab in essentially the same way: /dæb/ in the US and /dæb/ in the UK.
British respelling: DAB.
What does dab mean?
- To press lightly in a repetitive motion with a soft object without rubbing.“I dabbed my face with a towel.”
- To apply a substance in this way.“The nurse will dab some ointment on that gash.”
- To strike by a thrust; to hit with a sudden blow or thrust.
- A soft tap or blow; a blow or peck from a bird's beak; an aimed blow.
- A soft, playful box given in greeting or approval.
- A small amount, a blob of some soft or wet substance.“a dab of glue”
- With a dab, or sudden contact.
Where does dab come from?
African-American sense of “playful box” perhaps influenced by dap (“fistbump”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with dab
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of dab.
Questions about saying dab
How do you pronounce dab?
Say DAB. The American pronunciation is /dæb/. In British English it is /dæb/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in dab?
Dab is a single syllable, so the whole word carries the stress. Broken into parts: DAB.
Do Americans and Brits say dab the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /dæb/ and the British form is /dæb/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.