How to pronounce tomcat
Say it like TAHM-kat. Tomcat has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (TAHM).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce tomcat. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- TAHM
- kat
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Tomcat pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- TAHMSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- katGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
American vs British pronunciation of tomcat
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
British respelling: TOM-kat.
What does tomcat mean?
- A tom (male cat).
- A promiscuous man.
- An insect of the order Coleoptera referring to certain species of rove beetles, particularly in the genus Paederus, known for secreting a potent irritant, pederin, which can cause severe skin irritation and blistering when contacted.
- To prowl for sexual gratification.
Where does tomcat come from?
From Tom + cat, popularized by The Life and Adventures of a Cat (1760), by an anonymous author, in which the male cat was called Tom.
Questions about saying tomcat
How do you pronounce tomcat?
Say TAHM-kat. The American pronunciation is /ˈtɑmˌkæt/. In British English it is /ˈtɒmˌkæt/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in tomcat?
Tomcat has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (TAHM). Broken into parts: TAHM · kat.
Is tomcat 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 /ˈtɒmˌkæt/ (TOM-kat).