isn't

[ iz-uhnt ]

1. contraction of is not.

isn't

/ ˈɪzənt /

contraction of

1. is not

Usage Note

See contraction.

Pronunciation Note

Isn't is often pronounced [id, -nt] in the South Midland and Southern U.S., with [d], a stop consonant, substituting for [z], a sibilant. This substitution results from an assimilatory process in which the tip of the tongue, in anticipation of the articulatory position for the following [n], touches the upper alveolar ridge. This same process gives [wuhd, -nt] for wasn't and [bid, -nis] for business. These pronunciations are heard from speakers on all social levels.