How to Pronounce Flapping

To pronounce "flapping", say FLAPP-ing — 2 syllables, IPA /ˈflæpɪŋ/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

flapping

Tap to hear · American accent

Accent

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Speed

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2

Syllables

8

Letters

/ˈflæpɪŋ/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “flapping”

"flapping" has 2 syllables: flapp-ing. It rhymes with rapping and yapping, if that helps it stick.

What does flapping mean?

noun

  1. An instance where one flaps.
  2. A phonological process found in many dialects of English, especially American English and Canadian English, by which intervocalic /t/ and /d/ surface as the alveolar flap /ɾ/ before an unstressed syllable, so that words such as "metal" and "medal" are pronounced similarly or identically.

adjective

  1. That flaps or flap

    “flapping sails”

Hear “flapping” 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 flapping

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

rappingyappingstrappingwrappingsappingtappinglappingoverlappingsnappingtrappingcappingkidnapping

Related words

flutteringflutterfloppingpoundingbeatingflappyaflapflippy-floppy

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "flapping"?▾

"Flapping" has 2 syllables: flapp · ing.

What is the IPA transcription of "flapping"?▾

The IPA transcription of "flapping" is /ˈflæpɪŋ/.

What does "flapping" mean?▾

Flapping: An instance where one flaps.

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