How to pronounce kidnapping
Say it like KID-nap-ing. Kidnapping has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KID).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce kidnapping. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- KID
- nap
- ing
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Kidnapping pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- KIDSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- napGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
- ingKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of kidnapping
American and British speakers say kidnapping in essentially the same way: /ˈkɪdˌnæpɪŋ/ in the US and /ˈkɪdˌnæpɪŋ/ in the UK.
British respelling: KID-nap-ing.
What does kidnapping mean?
- (law) the unlawful act of capturing and carrying away a person against their will and holding them in false imprisonment
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying kidnapping
How do you pronounce kidnapping?
Say KID-nap-ing. The American pronunciation is /ˈkɪdˌnæpɪŋ/. In British English it is /ˈkɪdˌnæpɪŋ/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in kidnapping?
Kidnapping has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KID). Broken into parts: KID · nap · ing.
Do Americans and Brits say kidnapping the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈkɪdˌnæpɪŋ/ and the British form is /ˈkɪdˌnæpɪŋ/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.