How to Pronounce Once

To pronounce "once", say ONC-e — 2 syllables, IPA /wɒn(t)s/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

once

Tap to hear · American accent

Accent

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Speed

Syllable by syllable — tap each one

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2

Syllables

4

Letters

/wɒn(t)s/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “once”

"once" has 2 syllables: onc-e. It rhymes with dunce and duncedom, if that helps it stick.

What does once mean?

adverb

  1. (frequency) One and only one time.

    “I have only once eaten pizza.”

  2. (temporal location) Formerly; during some period in the past.

    “He was once the most handsome man around.”

conjunction

  1. As soon as; when; after.

    “Once he is married, he will be able to claim the inheritance.”

Words that rhyme with once

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

dunceduncedombuncedvinskmuncekunce

Related words

onetimesometimewhenerstwhilepastquondamformerlyformer

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "once"?▾

"Once" has 2 syllables: onc · e.

What is the IPA transcription of "once"?▾

The IPA transcription of "once" is /wɒn(t)s/.

What does "once" mean?▾

Once: (frequency) One and only one time.

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