How to Pronounce Knife

To pronounce "knife", say KNIF-e — 2 syllables, IPA /naɪf/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

knife

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Accent

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Speed

Syllable by syllable — tap each one

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Syllables

Letters

/naɪf/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “knife”

"knife" has 2 syllables: knif-e. It rhymes with strife and rife, if that helps it stick.

What does knife mean?

noun

A utensil or a tool designed for cutting, consisting of a flat piece of hard material, usually steel or other metal (the blade), usually sharpened on one edge, attached to a handle. The blade may be pointed for piercing.
A weapon designed with the aforementioned specifications intended for slashing and/or stabbing and too short to be called a sword. A dagger.

verb

To cut with a knife.
To use a knife to injure or kill by stabbing, slashing, or otherwise using the sharp edge of the knife as a weapon.

Hear “knife” 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 knife

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

strife rife life wife afterlife alewife co-wife midwife

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "knife"?▾

"Knife" has 2 syllables: knif · e.

What is the IPA transcription of "knife"?▾

The IPA transcription of "knife" is /naɪf/.

What does "knife" mean?▾

Knife: A utensil or a tool designed for cutting, consisting of a flat piece of hard material, usually steel or other metal (the blade), usually sharpened on one edge, attached to a handle. The blade may be pointed for piercing.

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