How to Pronounce Scan

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

scan

Tap to hear · American accent

Accent

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Speed

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1

Syllable

4

Letters

/skæn/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “scan”

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

What does scan mean?

noun

  1. Close investigation.
  2. An instance of scanning.

    “The operators vacated the room during the scan.”

verb

  1. To examine sequentially, carefully, or critically; to scrutinize; to behold closely.

    “She scanned the passage carefully but could not find what she was looking for.”

  2. To look about for; to look over quickly.

    “He scanned the horizon.”

Hear “scan” 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 scan

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

deadpanspandivanclanmanpanfanqueancaravancatamaranharmattantran

Related words

readskimrakeexamineinspectfindingscrutinizesurvey

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "scan"?▾

"Scan" has one syllable.

What is the IPA transcription of "scan"?▾

The IPA transcription of "scan" is /skæn/.

What does "scan" mean?▾

Scan: Close investigation.

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