Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

mayn't

/ˈmeɪnt/

Word Rarity Very rare

Frequency: Zipf frequency 1.36 in modern English

Syllables: may-n't
IPA: /ˈmeɪnt/

10

Scrabble Score

5

Letters

2

Syllables

5

Unique Chars

Meaning

verb

may not (negative auxiliary)

Archaic

Example Sentences

"I mayn't have much head, master, but I’ve head enough to remember those that use me ill."
""Now, father," said Nancy, "is there any call for you to go home to tea? Mayn't you just as well stay with us?--such a beautiful evening as it's likely to be.""
""Yes, we went to school in the sea, though you mayn't believe it—""
"You mayn't hardly believe it, but at the present moment I am absolutely without a farthing."
"I can't help about other people. But I surely would like to have a spot to stop till daylight. Still - if people don't relish this place, mayn't it be because it's getting so run-down?"

Etymology

From may + -n't.

Usage

Archaic

Inflected Forms

mightn't (past)

Frequently Paired Words

can't couldn't mightn't oughtn't shan't shouldn't won't wouldn't

Rhymes With

can't ain't paint saint complaint faint restraint constraint quaint taint repaint feint

Questions

How do you pronounce mayn't?: The recorded pronunciation is /ˈmeɪnt/.
What does mayn't mean?: may not (negative auxiliary)
Where does mayn't come from?: From may + -n't.

How to pronounce mayn't

Open the pronunciation page — Open the Speakur entry for “mayn't”.
Read the phonetic spelling — Read the IPA spelling (/ˈmeɪnt/) so you know which sounds to aim for.
Play the audio — Click Play to hear reference audio for “mayn't”.
Repeat and practice — Say “mayn't” aloud, matching stress and vowels until it feels natural.