How to pronounce hot
Say it like HOT. Hot 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 hot. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- HOT
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Hot pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- HOTSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
American vs British pronunciation of hot
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
British respelling: HOT.
What does hot mean?
- used of physical heat; having a high or higher than desirable temperature or giving off heat or feeling or causing a sensation of heat or burning“hot stove”“hot water”
- characterized by violent and forceful activity or movement; very intense“the fighting became hot and heavy”“a hot engagement”
- extended meanings; especially of psychological heat; marked by intensity or vehemence especially of passion or enthusiasm“a hot temper”“a hot topic”
Where does hot come from?
Superseded non-native Middle English chaud, from Old French chaut (“hot”); and early Modern English calent, from Latin calēns (“hot”).
Similar and opposite words
Opposite meaning
Words that rhyme with hot
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of hot.
Questions about saying hot
How do you pronounce hot?
Say HOT. The American pronunciation is /hɑt/. In British English it is /hɒt/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in hot?
Hot is a single syllable, so the whole word carries the stress. Broken into parts: HOT.
Is hot 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 /hɒt/ (HOT).