How to pronounce gag
Say it like GAG. Gag is a single syllable, so the whole word carries the stress.
- GAG
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Gag pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- GAGSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
American vs British pronunciation of gag
American and British speakers say gag in essentially the same way: /ɡæɡ/ in the US and /ɡæɡ/ in the UK.
British respelling: GAG.
What does gag mean?
- A device to restrain speech, such as a rag in the mouth secured with tape or a rubber ball threaded onto a cord or strap.
- An order or rule forbidding discussion of a case or subject.
- Any suppression of freedom of speech.
- To experience the vomiting reflex.“He gagged when he saw the open wound.”
- To cause to heave with nausea.
- To restrain someone's speech by blocking his or her mouth.
Where does gag come from?
The noun is from Early Modern English gagge; the verb is from Middle English gaggen.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with gag
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of gag.
Questions about saying gag
How do you pronounce gag?
Say GAG. The American pronunciation is /ɡæɡ/. In British English it is /ɡæɡ/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in gag?
Gag is a single syllable, so the whole word carries the stress. Broken into parts: GAG.
Do Americans and Brits say gag the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ɡæɡ/ and the British form is /ɡæɡ/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.