How to Pronounce Want

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

want

Tap to hear · American accent

Accent

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Speed

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1

Syllable

4

Letters

/wɔnt/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “want”

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

What does want mean?

noun

  1. A desire, wish, longing.
  2. (often followed by of) Lack, absence.

verb

  1. To wish for or desire (something); to feel a need or desire for; to crave or demand.

    “What do you want to eat?  I want you to leave.  I never wanted to go back to live with my mother.”

  2. (in particular) To wish, desire or demand to see, have the presence of or do business with.

    “Danish police want him for embezzlement.”

Synonyms

set one's heart onwishwould likewithoutin needneed

Hear “want” 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 want

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

nonchalantjauntflauntconfidantvauntauntdetentedebutantestorefrontrestaurantmontpont

Related words

desirewishwishingneedrequiredeprivationprivationlack

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "want"?▾

"Want" has one syllable.

What is the IPA transcription of "want"?▾

The IPA transcription of "want" is /wɔnt/.

What does "want" mean?▾

Want: A desire, wish, longing.

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