How to Pronounce Detention

To pronounce "detention", say DET-ent-ion — 3 syllables, IPA /dɪˈtɛnʃən/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

detention

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Accent

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Speed

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3

Syllables

9

Letters

/dɪˈtɛnʃən/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “detention”

"detention" has 3 syllables: det-ent-ion. It rhymes with apprehension and contention, if that helps it stick.

What does detention mean?

noun

  1. The act of detaining or the state of being detained.
  2. A temporary state of custody or confinement, especially of a prisoner awaiting trial, or of a student being punished.

Hear “detention” 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 detention

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

apprehensioncontentioncondescensionconventioncomprehensionretentiondissensionpretensiontensiondimensioninventionmisapprehension

Related words

confinementcustodyholdholdupdelaydetainmentdetaineedetaining

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "detention"?▾

"Detention" has 3 syllables: det · ent · ion.

What is the IPA transcription of "detention"?▾

The IPA transcription of "detention" is /dɪˈtɛnʃən/.

What does "detention" mean?▾

Detention: The act of detaining or the state of being detained.

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