How to Pronounce Jest

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

jest

Tap to hear · American accent

Accent

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Speed

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1

Syllable

4

Letters

/dʒɛst/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “jest”

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

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

What does jest mean?

noun

  1. An act performed for amusement; a joke.
  2. Someone or something that is ridiculed; the target of a joke.

    “Your majesty, stop him before he makes you the jest of the court.”

verb

  1. To tell a joke; to talk in a playful manner; to make fun of something or someone.

    “Surely you jest!”

Synonyms

bantercrackgaglaughingstockprankwisecrackwitticismkidmocktease

Hear “jest” 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 jest

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

manifestcrestdetestdistressedimpressedacquiescedrestchestarrestbequestrequestabreast

Related words

japejokejocularitylaughgagwheezeyakquip

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "jest"?▾

"Jest" has one syllable.

What is the IPA transcription of "jest"?▾

The IPA transcription of "jest" is /dʒɛst/.

What does "jest" mean?▾

Jest: An act performed for amusement; a joke.

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