How to pronounce rap
Say it like RAP. Rap 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 rap. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- RAP
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Rap pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- RAPSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
American vs British pronunciation of rap
American and British speakers say rap in essentially the same way: /ræp/ in the US and /ræp/ in the UK.
British respelling: RAP.
What does rap mean?
- a reproach for some lapse or misdeed“he took the blame for it”“it was a bum rap”
- a gentle blow
- the sound made by a gentle blow
- strike sharply“rap him on the knuckles”
- make light, repeated taps on a surface“he was tapping his fingers on the table impatiently”
- perform rap music
Where does rap come from?
From Middle English rap, rappe, of North Germanic origin, related to Norwegian rapp (“a blow, strike, lash”), Swedish rapp (“a blow, lash, crack”), Danish rap (“a tap, smart, blow”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with rap
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of rap.
Words that sound like rap
Questions about saying rap
How do you pronounce rap?
Say RAP. The American pronunciation is /ræp/. In British English it is /ræp/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in rap?
Rap is a single syllable, so the whole word carries the stress. Broken into parts: RAP.
Do Americans and Brits say rap the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ræp/ and the British form is /ræp/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.
What words sound the same as rap?
Rap sounds the same as wrap in American English. The spelling and meaning are what tell them apart.