How to Pronounce "ballast"
word
ˈbæɫəst
BAL-uhst
bˈæləst
BAL-uhst
Definition
A material, such as stones or water, placed in a ship or balloon to help it stay balanced and stable. It can also mean a device used in electrical lights, like fluorescent lamps, to control the current.
IPA Transcription
American English
ˈbæɫəst
British English
bˈæləst
Simplified Pronunciation
US
BAL-uhst
UK
BAL-uhst
Listen in Context
The ship uses ballast to stay stable in the water.
Balloons need ballast to avoid floating away.
A ballast controls the current in a fluorescent lamp.
We had to add more ballast before crossing the rough sea.