How to Pronounce Pat

To pronounce "pat", say PAT — one syllable, IPA /pæt/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

pat

Tap to hear · American accent

Accent

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Speed

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Syllable

Letters

/pæt/

IPA

"pat" is a single-syllable word — say it in one clean beat. It rhymes with flat and cat, if that helps it stick.

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

noun

The sound of a light slap or tap with a soft flat object, especially of a footstep
A light tap or slap, especially with the hands

verb

To (gently) tap the flat of one's hand on a person or thing.
“To show affection, he decided he would pat the boy on the head.”
To hit lightly and repeatedly with the flat of the hand to make smooth or flat
“I patted the cookie dough into shape.”

adjective

Timely, suitable, apt, opportune, ready for the occasion; especially of things spoken.
“a pat expression”
Trite, being superficially complete, lacking originality.

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

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

How many syllables are in "pat"?▾

"Pat" has one syllable.

What is the IPA transcription of "pat"?▾

The IPA transcription of "pat" is /pæt/.

What does "pat" mean?▾

Pat: The sound of a light slap or tap with a soft flat object, especially of a footstep

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