How to pronounce swan
Say it like SWAHN. Swan 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 swan. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- SWAHN
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Swan pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- SWAHNSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
American vs British pronunciation of swan
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
British respelling: SWON.
Other ways to say swan
Swan also has this pronunciation, usually with a different meaning or use:
- SWAWN /swɔn/
What does swan mean?
- stately heavy-bodied aquatic bird with very long neck and usually white plumage as adult
- to declare or affirm solemnly and formally as true“Before God I swear I am innocent”
- move about aimlessly or without any destination, often in search of food or employment“The gypsies roamed the woods”“roving vagabonds”
- sweep majestically“Airplanes were swanning over the mountains”
Where does swan come from?
Doublet of sound.
Words that rhyme with swan
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of swan.
Questions about saying swan
How do you pronounce swan?
Say SWAHN. The American pronunciation is /swɑn/. In British English it is /swɒn/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in swan?
Swan is a single syllable, so the whole word carries the stress. Broken into parts: SWAHN.
Is swan pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English. The British form is /swɒn/ (SWON).