How to Pronounce Debt

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

debt

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Accent

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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.

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

Keep practicing

Related pages on PronounceIt, chosen from what we know about this word.

Train the contrast: bad vs bed, pen vs pan

Sounds worth drilling for a word spelled like this:

Debt appears in Words With a Silent B — others from that list:

Read next: Silent Letters in English: The Complete Pattern Guide

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "debt"?

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

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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