How to pronounce dancing
Say it like DAN-sing. Dancing has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (DAN).
- DAN
- sing
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Dancing pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- DANSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
- singKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of dancing
- British speakers use the long "ah" vowel of father where Americans use the "a" of cat.
British respelling: DAHN-sing.
What does dancing mean?
- taking a series of rhythmical steps (and movements) in time to music
Where does dancing come from?
From dance + -ing. The sense "dance club" is from French dancing, a pseudo-anglicism derived from English dance + -ing.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with dancing
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of dancing.
Questions about saying dancing
How do you pronounce dancing?
Say DAN-sing. The American pronunciation is /ˈdænsɪŋ/. In British English it is /ˈdɑːnsɪŋ/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in dancing?
Dancing has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (DAN). Broken into parts: DAN · sing.
Is dancing pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. British speakers use the long "ah" vowel of father where Americans use the "a" of cat. The British form is /ˈdɑːnsɪŋ/ (DAHN-sing).