How to Pronounce Beef

To pronounce "beef", say BEEF — one syllable, IPA /biːf/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

beef

Tap to hear · American accent

Accent

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1

Syllable

4

Letters

/biːf/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “beef”

"beef" is a single-syllable word — say it in one clean beat. It rhymes with grief and motif, if that helps it stick.

What does beef mean?

noun

  1. The meat from a cow, bull or other bovine.

    “I love eating beef.”

  2. (plural: beefs) A grudge; dislike (of something or someone); lack of faith or trust (in something or someone); a reason for a dislike or grudge. (often + with)

    “He's got a beef with everyone in the room.”

verb

  1. To complain.
  2. To add weight or strength to; to beef up.

adjective

  1. Being a bovine animal that is being raised for its meat.

    “We bought three beef calves this morning.”

  2. Producing or known for raising lots of beef.

    “beef country”

Synonyms

cowfleshoxflesh

Words that rhyme with beef

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

griefmotifbriefbeliefreliefliefdisbeliefreefsheafleitmotiffiefleaf

Related words

bitchbellyachekicksquawkhollergripeboeufgrouse

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "beef"?▾

"Beef" has one syllable.

What is the IPA transcription of "beef"?▾

The IPA transcription of "beef" is /biːf/.

What does "beef" mean?▾

Beef: The meat from a cow, bull or other bovine.

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