How to Pronounce Background

To pronounce "background", say BACKGR-ound — 2 syllables, IPA /ˈbæk.ɡɹaʊnd/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

background

Tap to hear · American accent

Accent

If an accent sounds the same, your device is missing that voice — it falls back to the closest one.

Speed

Syllable by syllable — tap each one

Practice: Record & Compare

Record yourself saying background, then compare with the target. Your audio stays on this device — nothing is uploaded.

Syllables

Letters

/ˈbæk.ɡɹaʊnd/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “background”

"background" has 2 syllables: backgr-ound. It rhymes with profound and expound, if that helps it stick.

What does background mean?

noun

One's social heritage, or previous life; what one did in the past.
“The lawyer had a background in computer science.”
A part of the picture that depicts scenery to the rear or behind the main subject; context.

verb

To put in a position that is not prominent.
To gather and provide background information (on).

adjective

Less important or less noticeable in a scene or system.
“The antivirus program runs on a background thread.”

Antonyms

conspicuous foreground forestanding primary prominent

Hear “background” in real sentences

Real example sentences from Tatoeba (CC-BY) — tap to hear each one, or see it used on YouGlish.

Words that rhyme with background

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

profound expound resound renowned sound confound ground rebound stound round compound pound

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "background"?▾

"Background" has 2 syllables: backgr · ound.

What is the IPA transcription of "background"?▾

The IPA transcription of "background" is /ˈbæk.ɡɹaʊnd/.

What does "background" mean?▾

Background: One's social heritage, or previous life; what one did in the past.

Want the definition, translations into 8 languages, and read-aloud for full sentences?

Open “background” in the full dictionary →