How to pronounce heaving
Say it like HEE-ving. Heaving has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (HEE).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce heaving. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- HEE
- ving
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Heaving pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- HEESay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
- vingKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of heaving
American and British speakers say heaving in essentially the same way: /ˈhivɪŋ/ in the US and /ˈhiːvɪŋ/ in the UK.
British respelling: HEE-ving.
What does heaving mean?
- present participle and gerund of heave How to pronounce heave
- Crowded with people.
- Of the chest, rising and falling noticeably from exertion, emotion, or labored breathing.
- Of the bosom, full, ample, or voluptuous in form, irrespective of movement.
- An occasion on which something heaves or is heaved.
Where does heaving come from?
Inherited from Middle English hevynge.
Words that rhyme with heaving
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of heaving.
Questions about saying heaving
How do you pronounce heaving?
Say HEE-ving. The American pronunciation is /ˈhivɪŋ/. In British English it is /ˈhiːvɪŋ/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in heaving?
Heaving has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (HEE). Broken into parts: HEE · ving.
Do Americans and Brits say heaving the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈhivɪŋ/ and the British form is /ˈhiːvɪŋ/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.