English pronunciation · Words Starting with C

Clean Pronunciation

Clean is pronounced KLEEN, IPA /ˈklin/.

KLEEN

US /ˈklin/  ·  UK /ˈkliːn/

Syllables: KLEEN (1 syllable)

adjective and verb: Free from dirt and marks, or to make something free from them.

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Clean in a Sentence

  • Put on a clean shirt before the interview.
  • I clean the kitchen floor every Sunday.
  • The water looked clean but tasted of metal.

Common Mispronunciations of Clean

Not KLIN

English keeps these two lengths apart carefully, and the same distinction separates feel from fill.

Not kuh-LEEN

The k and l run together with nothing between them, which leaves a single beat.

Tip: Cleaner and cleaning carry the same long ee, so none of the family shortens.

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