How to pronounce tiptoe
Say it like TIP-toh. Tiptoe has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (TIP).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce tiptoe. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- TIP
- toh
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Tiptoe pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- TIPSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- tohGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "o" in go.
American vs British pronunciation of tiptoe
- The long o starts further forward in British English, closer to "uh-oo" than the American "oh".
British respelling: TIP-toh.
What does tiptoe mean?
- To walk quietly with only the tips of the toes touching the ground.
- The tip of the toe.
- Standing elevated, on or as if on the tips of one's toes.
- Moving carefully, quietly, warily or stealthily, on or as if on the tips of one's toes.
Where does tiptoe come from?
From Middle English tipto, typto; equivalent to tip + toe.
Questions about saying tiptoe
How do you pronounce tiptoe?
Say TIP-toh. The American pronunciation is /ˈtɪpˌtoʊ/. In British English it is /ˈtɪpˌtəʊ/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in tiptoe?
Tiptoe has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (TIP). Broken into parts: TIP · toh.
Is tiptoe pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. The long o starts further forward in British English, closer to "uh-oo" than the American "oh". The British form is /ˈtɪpˌtəʊ/ (TIP-toh).