How to Pronounce Bleak

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

bleak

Tap to hear · American accent

Accent

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Speed

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1

Syllable

5

Letters

/bliːk/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “bleak”

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

What does bleak mean?

adjective

  1. Without color; pale; pallid.
  2. Desolate and exposed; swept by cold winds.

    “A bleak and bare rock.”

Hear “bleak” 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 bleak

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

shriekobliquesleekuniquephysiqueweakantiquebespeaksneakfreakcliquepeak

Related words

hopelessdesolateblackstarkbarreninhospitablebaredim

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "bleak"?▾

"Bleak" has one syllable.

What is the IPA transcription of "bleak"?▾

The IPA transcription of "bleak" is /bliːk/.

What does "bleak" mean?▾

Bleak: Without color; pale; pallid.

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