How to pronounce mask
Say it like MASK. Mask 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 mask. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- MASK
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Mask pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- MASKSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
American vs British pronunciation of mask
- British speakers use the long "ah" vowel of father where Americans use the "a" of cat.
British respelling: MAHSK.
What does mask mean?
- a covering to disguise or conceal the face
- activity that tries to conceal something“no mask could conceal his ignorance”“they moved in under a mask of friendship”
- a party of guests wearing costumes and masks
- hide under a false appearance“He masked his disappointment”
- put a mask on or cover with a mask“Mask the children for Halloween”
- make unrecognizable“The herb masks the garlic taste”“We disguised our faces before robbing the bank”
Where does mask come from?
Replaced Old English grīma (“mask”), whence grime, and displaced non-native Middle English viser (“visor, mask”) borrowed from Old French viser, visier.
Words that rhyme with mask
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of mask.
Words that sound like mask
Questions about saying mask
How do you pronounce mask?
Say MASK. The American pronunciation is /mæsk/. In British English it is /mɑːsk/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in mask?
Mask is a single syllable, so the whole word carries the stress. Broken into parts: MASK.
Is mask pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. British speakers use the long "ah" vowel of father where Americans use the "a" of cat. The British form is /mɑːsk/ (MAHSK).
What words sound the same as mask?
Mask sounds the same as masque in American English. The spelling and meaning are what tell them apart.