How to Pronounce Loose

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

loose

Tap to hear · American accent

Accent

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Speed

Syllable by syllable — tap each one

Practice: Record & Compare

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Syllables

Letters

/luːs/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “loose”

"loose" has 2 syllables: loos-e. It rhymes with induce and obtuse, if that helps it stick.

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

What does loose mean?

noun

The release of an arrow.
A state of laxity or indulgence; unrestrained freedom, abandonment.

verb

To let loose, to free from restraints.
To unfasten, to loosen.

adjective

Not fixed in place tightly or firmly.
“This wheelbarrow has a loose wheel.”
Not held or packaged together.
“'You can buy apples in a pack, but they are cheaper loose.”

Synonyms

fire shoot free release loosen relax slacken let go indiscreet untethered

Antonyms

fast bind constrain tighten discreet bound leashed tethered

Hear “loose” 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 loose

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

induce obtuse produce nous use abstruse deduce reduce recluse douce abuse diffuse

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "loose"?▾

"Loose" has 2 syllables: loos · e.

What is the IPA transcription of "loose"?▾

The IPA transcription of "loose" is /luːs/.

What does "loose" mean?▾

Loose: The release of an arrow.

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