How to pronounce kitten
Say it like KIT-un. Kitten has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KIT).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce kitten. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- KIT
- un
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Kitten pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- KITSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- unKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of kitten
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: KIT-un.
What does kitten mean?
- young domestic cat
- give birth to kittens“our cat kittened again this year”
Where does kitten come from?
From Middle English kitoun, kytton, kyton, keton (“kitten”), of obscure origin.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with kitten
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of kitten.
Questions about saying kitten
How do you pronounce kitten?
Say KIT-un. The American pronunciation is /ˈkɪtən/. In British English it is /ˈkɪtən/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in kitten?
Kitten has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KIT). Broken into parts: KIT · un.
Is kitten pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t. The British form is /ˈkɪtən/ (KIT-un).