How to pronounce lightening
Say it like LY-tuh-ning. Lightening has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (LY).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce lightening. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- LY
- tuh
- ning
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Lightening pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- LYSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in time.
- tuhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- ningKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of lightening
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: LY-tuh-ning.
What does lightening mean?
- present participle and gerund of lighten How to pronounce lighten
- The act or result of making something light or lighter.
- The sensation caused by the descent of the uterus into the pelvic cavity before the onset of labor
- The removal of cargo (especially crude oil) from a vessel in order to reduce its draft
Words that rhyme with lightening
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of lightening.
Questions about saying lightening
How do you pronounce lightening?
Say LY-tuh-ning. The American pronunciation is /ˈlaɪtənɪŋ/. In British English it is /ˈlaɪtənɪŋ/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in lightening?
Lightening has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (LY). Broken into parts: LY · tuh · ning.
Is lightening 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 /ˈlaɪtənɪŋ/ (LY-tuh-ning).