How to Pronounce Held

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

held

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Accent

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Speed

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1

Syllable

4

Letters

/ˈhɛld/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “held”

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

What does held mean?

verb

  1. To grasp or grip.

    “Hold the pencil like this.”

  2. To contain or store.

    “This package holds six bottles.”

Synonyms

claspgraspgripownhappen

Antonyms

release

Hear “held” 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 held

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

compelledunparalleledyelledimpelledpropelledmeldquelledswelleddispelledexpelledfelledwithheld

Related words

accommodatedaccomplishedaccordanceachievedactaactedadheredadministered

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "held"?▾

"Held" has one syllable.

What is the IPA transcription of "held"?▾

The IPA transcription of "held" is /ˈhɛld/.

What does "held" mean?▾

Held: To grasp or grip.

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