How to Pronounce Gridlock

To pronounce "gridlock", say GRIDL-ock — 2 syllables, IPA /ˈɡɹɪdˌlɒk/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

gridlock

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

Syllables

Letters

/ˈɡɹɪdˌlɒk/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “gridlock”

"gridlock" has 2 syllables: gridl-ock. It rhymes with gawk and stock, if that helps it stick.

What does gridlock mean?

noun

A condition of total, interlocking traffic congestion on the streets or highways of a crowded city, in which no one can move because everyone is in someone else's way.
On a smaller scale: the situation in which cars enter a signal-controlled intersection too late during the green light cycle, and are unable to clear the intersection (due to congestion in the next block) when the light turns red, thus blocking the cross traffic when it's their turn to go. Repeated at enough intersections, this phenomenon can lead to citywide gridlock.

verb

To cause traffic congestion

Hear “gridlock” 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 gridlock

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

gawk stock cock stalk shock block squawk mock baulk knock hawk flock

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "gridlock"?▾

"Gridlock" has 2 syllables: gridl · ock.

What is the IPA transcription of "gridlock"?▾

The IPA transcription of "gridlock" is /ˈɡɹɪdˌlɒk/.

What does "gridlock" mean?▾

Gridlock: A condition of total, interlocking traffic congestion on the streets or highways of a crowded city, in which no one can move because everyone is in someone else's way.

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

Open “gridlock” in the full dictionary →