How to pronounce waiting
Say it like WAY-ting. Waiting has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (WAY).
- WAY
- ting
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Waiting pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- WAYSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
- tingKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of waiting
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: WAY-ting.
What does waiting mean?
- present participle and gerund of wait How to pronounce wait“Your guest has been waiting for you. (progressive) They hurried into the waiting car. (participle used as adjective)”
- The act of staying or remaining in expectation.“Waiting for any news in a waiting room. (gerund)”
- Attendance, service.
Where does waiting come from?
From Middle English waitinge, waytynge, waitende, weytende, waitand, waytand, equivalent to wait + -ing.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
- wait
- ready and waiting
Words that rhyme with waiting
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of waiting.
Words that sound like waiting
Questions about saying waiting
How do you pronounce waiting?
Say WAY-ting. The American pronunciation is /ˈweɪtɪŋ/. In British English it is /ˈweɪtɪŋ/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in waiting?
Waiting has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (WAY). Broken into parts: WAY · ting.
Is waiting pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t. The British form is /ˈweɪtɪŋ/ (WAY-ting).
What words sound the same as waiting?
Waiting sounds the same as weighting in American English. The spelling and meaning are what tell them apart.