How to Pronounce Abbess

To pronounce "abbess", say ABB-ess — 2 syllables, IPA /ˈæb.ɛs/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

abbess

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Accent

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Speed

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2

Syllables

6

Letters

/ˈæb.ɛs/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “abbess”

"abbess" has 2 syllables: abb-ess. It rhymes with frabjous and labus, if that helps it stick.

What does abbess mean?

noun

  1. A female superior or governess of a nunnery, or convent of nuns, having the same authority over the nuns which the abbots have over the monks.

    “The abbess was always after the nuns to keep the convent immaculately clean.”

  2. (British slang) A woman who runs a brothel; a woman employed by a prostitute to find clients.

Synonyms

mother superiorCovent Garden abbessbawdlady abbessmadam

Hear “abbess” in real sentences

Real example sentences from Tatoeba (CC-BY) — tap to hear each one, or see it used on YouGlish.

Words that rhyme with abbess

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

frabjouslabusmabismabus

Related words

prioressmotherdominavicaressdeaconessfratresscoadjutrixnunnery

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "abbess"?▾

"Abbess" has 2 syllables: abb · ess.

What is the IPA transcription of "abbess"?▾

The IPA transcription of "abbess" is /ˈæb.ɛs/.

What does "abbess" mean?▾

Abbess: A female superior or governess of a nunnery, or convent of nuns, having the same authority over the nuns which the abbots have over the monks.

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