How to pronounce gasp
Say it like GASP. Gasp is a single syllable, so the whole word carries the stress.
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce gasp. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- GASP
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Gasp pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- GASPSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
American vs British pronunciation of gasp
- British speakers use the long "ah" vowel of father where Americans use the "a" of cat.
British respelling: GAHSP.
What does gasp mean?
- A short, sudden intake of breath.“The audience gave a gasp of astonishment”
- A draw or drag on a cigarette (or gasper).“I'm popping out for a gasp.”
- To draw in the breath suddenly, as if from a shock.“The audience gasped as the magician disappeared.”
- To breathe quickly or in a labored manner, as after exertion; to respire with heaving of the breast; to pant.“We were all gasping when we reached the summit.”
- To speak in a breathless manner.“The old man gasped his last few words.”
- The sound of a gasp.“Gasp! What will happen next?”
Where does gasp come from?
From Middle English gaspen, gayspen (“to gape, outbreathe”), related to and likely derived from Old Norse geispa (“to yawn”) or its descendant Danish gispe, which may be related to gapa (“to gape”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with gasp
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of gasp.
Questions about saying gasp
How do you pronounce gasp?
Say GASP. The American pronunciation is /ɡæsp/. In British English it is /ɡɑːsp/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in gasp?
Gasp is a single syllable, so the whole word carries the stress. Broken into parts: GASP.
Is gasp 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 /ɡɑːsp/ (GAHSP).