How to Pronounce Hiccups

To pronounce "hiccups", say HICC-ups — 2 syllables, IPA /ˈhɪkəps/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

hiccups

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Accent

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2

Syllables

7

Letters

/ˈhɪkəps/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “hiccups”

"hiccups" has 2 syllables: hicc-ups. It rhymes with hiccoughs, if that helps it stick.

Sounds exactly like: hiccoughs — easy to mix up when writing.

What does hiccups mean?

noun

  1. A spasm of the diaphragm, or the resulting sound.

    “There was a loud hiccup from the back of the room and the class erupted in laughter.”

  2. (by extension) Any spasm or sudden change.

verb

  1. To produce a hiccup; have the hiccups.
  2. To say with a hiccup.

    “"I haven't touched a drop, officer," the suspect hiccupped.”

noun

  1. (usually with "the") The condition of having the spasms of hiccupping.

    “He has the hiccups - give him a glass of water.”

Hear “hiccups” 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 hiccups

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

hiccoughs

Related words

singultushiccoughhiccupperhickuphickethiccuperhiccougherhickock

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "hiccups"?▾

"Hiccups" has 2 syllables: hicc · ups.

What is the IPA transcription of "hiccups"?▾

The IPA transcription of "hiccups" is /ˈhɪkəps/.

What does "hiccups" mean?▾

Hiccups: A spasm of the diaphragm, or the resulting sound.

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