How to Pronounce Ballast

To pronounce "ballast", say BALL-ast — 2 syllables, IPA /ˈbæl.əst/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

ballast

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Accent

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Speed

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2

Syllables

7

Letters

/ˈbæl.əst/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “ballast”

"ballast" has 2 syllables: ball-ast. It rhymes with calloused and callused, if that helps it stick.

What does ballast mean?

noun

  1. Heavy material that is placed in the hold of a ship (or in the gondola of a balloon), to provide stability.
  2. Anything that steadies emotion or the mind.

verb

  1. To stabilize or load a ship with ballast.
  2. To lay ballast on the bed of a railroad track.

Words that rhyme with ballast

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

callousedcallusedsallustchaliced

Related words

baggagegravelwatersdragweightmannequinburdenmanikin

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "ballast"?▾

"Ballast" has 2 syllables: ball · ast.

What is the IPA transcription of "ballast"?▾

The IPA transcription of "ballast" is /ˈbæl.əst/.

What does "ballast" mean?▾

Ballast: Heavy material that is placed in the hold of a ship (or in the gondola of a balloon), to provide stability.

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