How to pronounce writing
Say it like RY-ting. Writing has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (RY).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce writing. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- RY
- ting
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Writing pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- RYSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in time.
- tingKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of writing
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: RY-ting.
What does writing mean?
- the act of creating written works“writing was a form of therapy for him”“it was a matter of disputed authorship”
- the work of a writer; anything expressed in letters of the alphabet (especially when considered from the point of view of style and effect)“the writing in her novels is excellent”“that editorial was a fine piece of writing”
- (usually plural) the collected work of an author“the idea occurs with increasing frequency in Hemingway's writings”
Where does writing come from?
From Middle English writing, writyng, wryting, wrytyng, from Old English wrīting (“writing”), equivalent to write + -ing.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with writing
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of writing.
Questions about saying writing
How do you pronounce writing?
Say RY-ting. The American pronunciation is /ˈraɪtɪŋ/. In British English it is /ˈraɪtɪŋ/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in writing?
Writing has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (RY). Broken into parts: RY · ting.
Is writing 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 /ˈraɪtɪŋ/ (RY-ting).