How to Pronounce Dead

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

dead

Tap to hear · American accent

Accent

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1

Syllable

4

Letters

/diːd/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “dead”

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

What does dead mean?

noun

  1. (with "the", a demonstrative, or a possessive) Those who have died.

    “Have respect for the dead.”

noun

  1. (often with "the") Time when coldness, darkness, or stillness is most intense.

    “The dead of night. The dead of winter.”

noun

  1. (usually plural) Sterile mining waste, often present as many large rocks stacked inside the workings.

Synonyms

deceased

Hear “dead” 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 dead

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

dreadleadheadtreadbloodshedaforesaidembedgodheadthreadshedreadbed

Related words

deceaseddefunctstone-deaddoomeddeathlydeathlikeextinctextinguished

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "dead"?▾

"Dead" has one syllable.

What is the IPA transcription of "dead"?▾

The IPA transcription of "dead" is /diːd/.

What does "dead" mean?▾

Dead: (with "the", a demonstrative, or a possessive) Those who have died.

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