How to Pronounce Possession

To pronounce "possession", say poss-ESS-ion — 3 syllables, IPA /pəˈzɛʃən/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

possession

Tap to hear · American accent

Accent

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Speed

Syllable by syllable — tap each one

Practice: Record & Compare

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Syllables

Letters

/pəˈzɛʃən/

🇺🇸 IPA (US)

/pəzˈɛʃən/

🇬🇧 IPA (UK)

💡 Tip for remembering “possession”

Break "possession" into 3 beats and lean on "ESS" — that's the stressed one. It rhymes with expression and discretion, if that helps it stick.

What does possession mean?

noun

Control or occupancy of something for which one does not necessarily have private property rights.
Something that is owned.
“I would gladly give all of my worldly possessions just to be able to do that.”

verb

To invest with property.

Synonyms

owndom retention ight

Antonyms

absence

Words that rhyme with possession

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

expression discretion oppression obsession concession impression progression question accession regression digression aggression

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "possession"?▾

"Possession" has 3 syllables: poss · ess · ion.

What is the IPA transcription of "possession"?▾

The IPA transcription of "possession" is /pəˈzɛʃən/.

What does "possession" mean?▾

Possession: Control or occupancy of something for which one does not necessarily have private property rights.

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