How to pronounce rank
Say it like RANGK. Rank 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 rank. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- RANGK
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Rank pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- RANGKSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
American vs British pronunciation of rank
American and British speakers say rank in essentially the same way: /ræŋk/ in the US and /ræŋk/ in the UK.
British respelling: RANGK.
What does rank mean?
- a row or line of people (especially soldiers or police) standing abreast of one another“the entrance was guarded by ranks of policemen”
- relative status“his salary was determined by his rank and seniority”
- the ordinary members of an organization (such as the enlisted soldiers of an army)“the strike was supported by the union rank and file”“he rose from the ranks to become a colonel”
- take or have a position relative to others“This painting ranks among the best in the Western World”
- assign a rank or rating to“how would you rank these students?”“The restaurant is rated highly in the food guide”
- take precedence or surpass others in rank
- very fertile; producing profuse growth“rank earth”
- conspicuously and outrageously bad or reprehensible“a crying shame”“an egregious lie”
- complete and without restriction or qualification; sometimes used informally as intensifiers“absolute freedom”“an absolute dimwit”
Where does rank come from?
The sense referring to taste or odor is possibly influenced by rancor.
Words that rhyme with rank
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of rank.
Questions about saying rank
How do you pronounce rank?
Say RANGK. The American pronunciation is /ræŋk/. In British English it is /ræŋk/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in rank?
Rank is a single syllable, so the whole word carries the stress. Broken into parts: RANGK.
Do Americans and Brits say rank the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ræŋk/ and the British form is /ræŋk/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.