How to Pronounce Cistern

To pronounce "cistern", say CIST-ern — 2 syllables, IPA /ˈsɪs.tən/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

cistern

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 cistern, then compare with the target. Your audio stays on this device — nothing is uploaded.

2

Syllables

7

Letters

/ˈsɪs.tən/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “cistern

"cistern" has 2 syllables: cist-ern.

What does cistern mean?

noun

  1. A reservoir or tank for holding water, especially for catching and holding rainwater for later use.
  2. In a flush toilet, the container in which the water used for flushing is held; a toilet tank.

Hear “cistern” in real sentences

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

Related words

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "cistern"?

"Cistern" has 2 syllables: cist · ern.

What is the IPA transcription of "cistern"?

The IPA transcription of "cistern" is /ˈsɪs.tən/.

What does "cistern" mean?

Cistern: A reservoir or tank for holding water, especially for catching and holding rainwater for later use.

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

Open “cistern” in the full dictionary →