How to Pronounce Rat

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

rat

Tap to hear · American accent

Accent

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Speed

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1

Syllable

3

Letters

/ɹæt/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “rat”

"rat" 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: ratte — easy to mix up when writing.

What does rat mean?

noun

  1. A medium-sized rodent belonging to the genus Rattus.
  2. Any of the numerous members of several rodent families (e.g. voles and mice) that resemble true rats in appearance, usually having a pointy snout, a long, bare tail, and body length greater than about 12 cm, or 5 inches.

verb

  1. (usually with “on” or “out”) To betray a person or party, especially by telling their secret to an authority or an enemy; to turn someone in.

    “He is going to rat us out!”

  2. To work as a scab, going against trade union policies.

Synonyms

stool pigeontraitorbewrayfingerput the finger ontell on

Hear “rat” 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 rat

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

flatcatcaveatbratpatcombatslatthatdiplomatfatautocratwildcat

Related words

skunkstagblackleggrasscrumbpeachscabshit

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "rat"?▾

"Rat" has one syllable.

What is the IPA transcription of "rat"?▾

The IPA transcription of "rat" is /ɹæt/.

What does "rat" mean?▾

Rat: A medium-sized rodent belonging to the genus Rattus.

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