Pronunciation guide
How to pronounce debt
DET - one syllable, rhyming with 'bet'; the 'b' is silent
US/ˈdɛt/
dɛt
UK/ˈdɛt/
dɛt
New to IPA symbols? Read the IPA guide.
Common mistake
The 'b' is silent - 'det', not 'debt' with a 'b'.
What “debt” means
An action, state of mind, or object one has an obligation to perform for another, adopt toward another, or give to another.
The state or condition of owing something to another.
In a sentence
- I am in your debt and grateful for your help.
- The country carries a large national debt that affects policy.
Definitions and examples are derived from Wiktionary, used under CC BY-SA 4.0, then edited by QuickPronounce. Pronunciation data draws on CMUdict.