past participle
To have received something or obtained it for yourself.
I have gotten a new job.
We haven't gotten an answer from them.
American English
How to pronounce gotten
verbA1Very common word
GAHtn
/ˈgɑ.t̚n̩/
2 syllables · Stress the first syllable.
Form of get
In American English, gotten is common with have, has, or had for a change, result, or completed action. Use got, not gotten, in have got to show possession.
To have received something or obtained it for yourself.
What to listen for
In natural American speech, gotten can sound like /ˈgɑ.ʔn̩/: the middle /t/ may become a quick stop, and the last syllable may be a short n sound.
Meanings & examples
past participle
To have bought something.
I've gotten some milk for breakfast.
She has gotten a birthday gift for her brother at the mall.
past participle
To have gone to bring something or someone back.
I've gotten the mail.
She has gotten the children from school.
past participle
To have started to be in a new state or condition.
She has gotten much better at tennis.
He has gotten sick twice this winter.
Useful expressions
to leave your bed or rise to your feet
I get up at six on weekdays.
to return
What time did you get back?
to have a friendly relationship with someone
I get along well with my new coworkers.
Related words & forms
In American English, gotten is common for a change or result: She's gotten better. Use got for possession: I've got a car.