How to pronounce gossip
Say it like GOS-up. Gossip has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (GOS).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce gossip. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- GOS
- up
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Gossip pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- GOSSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- upKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of gossip
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
British respelling: GOS-ip.
What does gossip mean?
- light informal conversation for social occasions
- a report (often malicious) about the behavior of other people“the divorce caused much gossip”
- a person given to gossiping and divulging personal information about others
- wag one's tongue; speak about others and reveal secrets or intimacies“She won't dish the dirt”
- talk socially without exchanging too much information“the men were sitting in the cafe and shooting the breeze”
Where does gossip come from?
From Middle English godsybbe, godsib (“a close friend or relation, a confidant; a godparent”), from Old English godsibb (“godparent, sponsor”), equivalent to god + sib.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying gossip
How do you pronounce gossip?
Say GOS-up. The American pronunciation is /ˈɡɑsəp/. In British English it is /ˈɡɒsɪp/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in gossip?
Gossip has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (GOS). Broken into parts: GOS · up.
Is gossip pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English. The British form is /ˈɡɒsɪp/ (GOS-ip).