How to Pronounce Need

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

need

Tap to hear · American accent

Accent

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Speed

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1

Syllable

4

Letters

/niːd/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “need”

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

Sounds exactly like: knead, kneed, nead, nied — easy to mix up when writing.

What does need mean?

noun

  1. A requirement for something; something needed.

    “I've always tried to have few needs beyond food, clothing and shelter.”

  2. Lack of means of subsistence; poverty; indigence; destitution.

Words that rhyme with need

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

accedeconcedeimpedecedeleadheedprecedeseedsupersedesucceedgreedproceed

Related words

necessitatemusthaveoughtrequiredemandshouldwant

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "need"?▾

"Need" has one syllable.

What is the IPA transcription of "need"?▾

The IPA transcription of "need" is /niːd/.

What does "need" mean?▾

Need: A requirement for something; something needed.

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