How to Pronounce But

To pronounce "but", say BUT — one syllable, IPA /bʊt/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

but

Tap to hear · American accent

Accent

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Speed

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1

Syllable

3

Letters

/bʊt/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “but”

"but" is a single-syllable word — say it in one clean beat. It rhymes with butt and strut, if that helps it stick.

Sounds exactly like: butt — easy to mix up when writing.

What does but mean?

noun

  1. An instance or example of using the word "but".

    “It has to be done – no ifs or buts.”

  2. The outer room of a small two-room cottage.

verb

  1. Use the word "but".

    “But me no buts.”

adverb

  1. Merely, only, just.

    “Christmas comes but once a year.”

  2. Though, however.

    “I'll have to go home early but.”

Synonyms

even soneverthelessnotwithstandingyet

Words that rhyme with but

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

buttstrutsmutglutrutrebutcutthatnutslutchestnutscuttlebutt

Related words

merelysimplyonlyjustsurelyexceptstillnon

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "but"?▾

"But" has one syllable.

What is the IPA transcription of "but"?▾

The IPA transcription of "but" is /bʊt/.

What does "but" mean?▾

But: An instance or example of using the word "but".

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