How to pronounce reading
Say it like REE-ding. Reading has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (REE).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce reading. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- REE
- ding
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Reading pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- REESay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
- dingKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of reading
American and British speakers say reading in essentially the same way: /ˈridɪŋ/ in the US and /ˈriːdɪŋ/ in the UK.
British respelling: REE-ding.
Other ways to say reading
Reading also has this pronunciation, usually with a different meaning or use:
- RED-ing /ˈrɛdɪŋ/
What does reading mean?
- the cognitive process of understanding a written linguistic message“his main reading was detective stories”“suggestions for further reading”
- a particular interpretation or performance“on that reading it was an insult”“he was famous for his reading of Mozart”
- a datum about some physical state that is presented to a user by a meter or similar instrument“he could not believe the meter reading”“the barometer gave clear indications of an approaching storm”
Where does reading come from?
From Middle English reding, redyng, redand, from Old English rǣdende, present participle of rǣdan (“to read”), equivalent to read + -ing.
Words that rhyme with reading
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of reading.
Questions about saying reading
How do you pronounce reading?
Say REE-ding. The American pronunciation is /ˈridɪŋ/. In British English it is /ˈriːdɪŋ/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in reading?
Reading has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (REE). Broken into parts: REE · ding.
Do Americans and Brits say reading the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈridɪŋ/ and the British form is /ˈriːdɪŋ/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.