How to pronounce meaning
Say it like MEE-ning. Meaning has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (MEE).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce meaning. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- MEE
- ning
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Meaning pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- MEESay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
- ningKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of meaning
American and British speakers say meaning in essentially the same way: /ˈminɪŋ/ in the US and /ˈmiːnɪŋ/ in the UK.
British respelling: MEE-ning.
What does meaning mean?
- the message that is intended or expressed or signified“what is the meaning of this sentence”“the significance of a red traffic light”
- the idea that is intended“What is the meaning of this proverb?”
- rich in significance or implication“a meaning look”“a significant silence”
Where does meaning come from?
From Middle English mening, menyng, equivalent to mean + -ing.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with meaning
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of meaning.
Questions about saying meaning
How do you pronounce meaning?
Say MEE-ning. The American pronunciation is /ˈminɪŋ/. In British English it is /ˈmiːnɪŋ/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in meaning?
Meaning has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (MEE). Broken into parts: MEE · ning.
Do Americans and Brits say meaning the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈminɪŋ/ and the British form is /ˈmiːnɪŋ/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.