How to Pronounce Retreat

To pronounce "retreat", say RETR-eat — 2 syllables, IPA /ɹəˈtɹiːt/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

retreat

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Accent

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Speed

Syllable by syllable — tap each one

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2

Syllables

7

Letters

/ɹəˈtɹiːt/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “retreat”

"retreat" has 2 syllables: retr-eat. It rhymes with conceit and sweet, if that helps it stick.

What does retreat mean?

noun

  1. The act of pulling back or withdrawing, as from something dangerous, or unpleasant.
  2. The act of reversing direction and receding from a forward position.

verb

  1. To withdraw from a position, go back.
  2. (of a glacier) To shrink back due to generally warmer temperatures.

Hear “retreat” 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 retreat

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

conceitsweetobsoleterepleteeffetecompleteconcretebittersweetheatdeceitbeatdiscreet

Related words

withdrawrecederetireretirementretrograde

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "retreat"?▾

"Retreat" has 2 syllables: retr · eat.

What is the IPA transcription of "retreat"?▾

The IPA transcription of "retreat" is /ɹəˈtɹiːt/.

What does "retreat" mean?▾

Retreat: The act of pulling back or withdrawing, as from something dangerous, or unpleasant.

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