Wants | Pronunciation in English - Cambridge Dictionary

WANTS pronunciation

Wants refers to the verb “to want” in its third-person singular form or to the plural noun meaning desires or needs. The pronunciation is typically [wɒnts] in British English and [wɑːnts] in American English, with the final “s” pronounced as a voiceless /s/ in most contexts.

How to say it

Break the word into sounds: /w/ + /ɒ/ or /ɑː/ + /n/ + /t/ + /s/.
Emphasize the first syllable in standard usage.
In connected speech, the vowel may reduce slightly depending on accent.

Audio guidance

Listening to native pronunciation helps, as Cambridge provides audio examples for both UK and US variants. Attempt to imitate the rhythm: a short initial /w/ followed by the open-front vowel and the final /nts/ cluster.

Usage notes

As a verb, “wants” conveys desire or need for something.
As a noun (plural), it can indicate desires or wishes collectively.
Common collocations include “wants and needs,” “wants to know,” and “to want something.”

Common errors

Mispronouncing the vowel in the first syllable.
Dropping or mispronouncing the final /s/ in rapid speech.

Cambridge Dictionary — 2025-12-03