How to pronounce locking
Say it like LOK-ing. Locking has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (LOK).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce locking. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- LOK
- ing
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Locking pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- LOKSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- ingKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of locking
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
British respelling: LOK-ing.
What does locking mean?
- the act of locking something up to protect it
Where does locking come from?
From lock + -ing.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with locking
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of locking.
Questions about saying locking
How do you pronounce locking?
Say LOK-ing. The American pronunciation is /ˈlɑkɪŋ/. In British English it is /ˈlɒkɪŋ/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in locking?
Locking has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (LOK). Broken into parts: LOK · ing.
Is locking 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 /ˈlɒkɪŋ/ (LOK-ing).