How to Pronounce Tar

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

tar

Tap to hear · American accent

Accent

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Speed

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1

Syllable

3

Letters

/tɑː/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “tar”

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

Sounds exactly like: tarr — easy to mix up when writing.

What does tar mean?

noun

  1. (usually uncountable) A black, oily, sticky, viscous substance, consisting mainly of hydrocarbons derived from organic materials such as wood, peat, or coal.
  2. Coal tar.

verb

  1. To coat with tar.
  2. To besmirch.

    “The allegations tarred his name, even though he was found innocent.”

Synonyms

Jack Tar

Hear “tar” 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 tar

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

charbarreservoirbizarreavatarsubparseminarrepertoiresparcinnabarlodestarcommissar

Related words

asphaltjack-targobseafarermarinerpitchseamanbitumen

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "tar"?▾

"Tar" has one syllable.

What is the IPA transcription of "tar"?▾

The IPA transcription of "tar" is /tɑː/.

What does "tar" mean?▾

Tar: (usually uncountable) A black, oily, sticky, viscous substance, consisting mainly of hydrocarbons derived from organic materials such as wood, peat, or coal.

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