How to Pronounce Mess

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

mess

Tap to hear · American accent

Accent

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Speed

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1

Syllable

4

Letters

/mɛs/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “mess”

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

What does mess mean?

noun

  1. A disagreeable mixture or confusion of things; hence, a situation resulting from blundering or from misunderstanding; disorder.

    “He made a mess of it.”

  2. A large quantity or number.

    “My boss dumped a whole mess of projects on my desk today.”

verb

  1. (transitive, often used with "up") To make untidy or dirty.
  2. (transitive, often used with "up") To throw into disorder or to ruin.

Hear “mess” 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 mess

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

nonethelessneverthelesscoalescedistressacquiesceaddresscaressassessprocessegressexpressfinesse

Related words

muddlemessinessmussmussinesswadheapmucklemickle

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "mess"?▾

"Mess" has one syllable.

What is the IPA transcription of "mess"?▾

The IPA transcription of "mess" is /mɛs/.

What does "mess" mean?▾

Mess: A disagreeable mixture or confusion of things; hence, a situation resulting from blundering or from misunderstanding; disorder.

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