How to Pronounce Hostage

To pronounce "hostage", say HOST-ag-e — 3 syllables, IPA /ˈhɒstɪdʒ/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

hostage

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Accent

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Speed

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3

Syllables

7

Letters

/ˈhɒstɪdʒ/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “hostage”

"hostage" has 3 syllables: host-ag-e.

What does hostage mean?

noun

  1. A person given as a pledge or security for the performance of the conditions of a treaty or similar agreement, such as to ensure the status of a vassal.
  2. A person seized in order to compel another party to act (or refrain from acting) in a certain way, because of the threat of harm to the hostage.

verb

  1. (possibly nonstandard) To give (someone or something) as a hostage to (someone or something else).
  2. (possibly nonstandard) To hold (someone or something) hostage, especially in a way that constrains or controls the person or thing held, or in order to exchange for something else.

Hear “hostage” in real sentences

Real example sentences from Tatoeba (CC-BY) — tap to hear each one, or see it used on YouGlish.

Related words

suretyransombondedcaptiveseizureprisonerkidnapkidnapping

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "hostage"?▾

"Hostage" has 3 syllables: host · ag · e.

What is the IPA transcription of "hostage"?▾

The IPA transcription of "hostage" is /ˈhɒstɪdʒ/.

What does "hostage" mean?▾

Hostage: A person given as a pledge or security for the performance of the conditions of a treaty or similar agreement, such as to ensure the status of a vassal.

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