Simple Definition:

A short vowel is a vowel sound that is pronounced quickly and has a shorter duration compared to other vowel sounds. Short vowels are typically found in words with one syllable or in the unstressed [not emphasized] syllables of longer words.

Examples:

• cat [cat]: The "a" in the word cat is a short vowel sound.
• dog [dog]: The "o" in the word dog is a short vowel sound.

Very Simple Definition:

A short vowel is a quick and short sound we make when saying certain letter sounds. It happens in short words or when we don’t give much emphasis to a sound in longer words.

Examples:

• cat: The letter "a" in cat sounds quick and short.
• dog: The letter "o" in dog is a fast and short sound.