How to Pronounce Sustain

To pronounce "sustain", say SUST-ain — 2 syllables, IPA /səˈsteɪn/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

sustain

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Accent

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2

Syllables

7

Letters

/səˈsteɪn/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “sustain

"sustain" has 2 syllables: sust-ain. It rhymes with ascertain and disdain, if that helps it stick.

What does sustain mean?

noun

  1. A mechanism which can be used to hold a note, as the right pedal on a piano.

verb

  1. To maintain, or keep in existence.

    The city came under sustained attack by enemy forces.

  2. To provide for or nourish.

    provisions to sustain an army

Words that rhyme with sustain

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

Related words

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "sustain"?

"Sustain" has 2 syllables: sust · ain.

What is the IPA transcription of "sustain"?

The IPA transcription of "sustain" is /səˈsteɪn/.

What does "sustain" mean?

Sustain: A mechanism which can be used to hold a note, as the right pedal on a piano.

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