How to Pronounce Ess

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

ess

Tap to hear · American accent

Accent

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Speed

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1

Syllable

3

Letters

/ɛs/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “ess”

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

Sounds exactly like: esse, es, s — easy to mix up when writing.

What does ess mean?

noun

  1. The name of the Latin-script letter S.
  2. Something shaped like the letter S.

verb

  1. To move in a changing direction, forming the shape of a letter S.

Words that rhyme with ess

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

nonethelessneverthelesscoalescedistressacquiesceaddresscaressassessprocessegressexpressfinesse

Related words

einsteiniumsigmaletterhisprocsignalebssse

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "ess"?▾

"Ess" has one syllable.

What is the IPA transcription of "ess"?▾

The IPA transcription of "ess" is /ɛs/.

What does "ess" mean?▾

Ess: The name of the Latin-script letter S.

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