How to Pronounce Boy

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

boy

Tap to hear · American accent

Accent

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Speed

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1

Syllable

3

Letters

/bɔːə/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “boy”

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

Sounds exactly like: boye — easy to mix up when writing.

What does boy mean?

noun

  1. A young male.

    “Kate is dating a boy named Jim.”

  2. (diminutive) A male child: a son of any age.

verb

  1. To use the word “boy” to refer to someone.

    “Don't boy me!”

  2. To act as a boy (in allusion to the former practice of boys acting women's parts on the stage).

interjection

  1. Exclamation of surprise, pleasure or longing.

    “Boy, I wish I could go to Canada!”

Synonyms

chapguyladmatebratknavesquirtmanservant

Words that rhyme with boy

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

coyemployenjoyalloyjoydestroytoyannoyploytomboydecoycorduroy

Related words

childsonladladdiekiddomansonnybloke

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "boy"?▾

"Boy" has one syllable.

What is the IPA transcription of "boy"?▾

The IPA transcription of "boy" is /bɔːə/.

What does "boy" mean?▾

Boy: A young male.

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