How to Pronounce Debt

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

debt

Tap to hear · American accent

Accent

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Speed

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1

Syllable

4

Letters

/ˈdɛt/

🇺🇸 IPA (US)

/dˈɛt/

🇬🇧 IPA (UK)

💡 Tip for remembering “debt”

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

What does debt mean?

noun

  1. An action, state of mind, or object one has an obligation to perform for another, adopt toward another, or give to another.
  2. The state or condition of owing something to another.

    “I am in your debt.”

Hear “debt” 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 debt

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

epithetsetsobriquetoffsetfretwetyetabetparapetvignetteonsetbeset

Related words

indebtednessindebtedreceivabledetteliabilitydebtorowedborrow

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "debt"?▾

"Debt" has one syllable.

What is the IPA transcription of "debt"?▾

The IPA transcription of "debt" is /ˈdɛt/.

What does "debt" mean?▾

Debt: An action, state of mind, or object one has an obligation to perform for another, adopt toward another, or give to another.

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