How to Pronounce Dread

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

dread

Tap to hear · American accent

Accent

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Speed

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1

Syllable

5

Letters

/dɹɛd/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “dread”

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

Sounds exactly like: dred, dredd — easy to mix up when writing.

What does dread mean?

noun

  1. Great fear in view of impending evil; fearful apprehension of danger; anticipatory terror.

    “my visit to the doctor is filling me with dread”

  2. Reverential or respectful fear; awe.

verb

  1. To fear greatly.
  2. To anticipate with fear.

    “I'm dreading getting the results of the test, as it could decide my whole life.”

adjective

  1. Terrible; greatly feared.
  2. Awe-inspiring; held in fearful awe.

Hear “dread” 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 dread

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

leadheaddeadtreadbloodshedaforesaidembedgodheadthreadshedreadbed

Related words

direfulterribledreadfulfearfulhorrificfearsomefrighteningalarming

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "dread"?▾

"Dread" has one syllable.

What is the IPA transcription of "dread"?▾

The IPA transcription of "dread" is /dɹɛd/.

What does "dread" mean?▾

Dread: Great fear in view of impending evil; fearful apprehension of danger; anticipatory terror.

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