How to Pronounce Pounds

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

pounds

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Accent

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Speed

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Syllable

Letters

/paʊndz/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “pounds”

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

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

What does pounds mean?

noun

A unit of mass equal to 16 avoirdupois ounces (= 453.592 37 g). Today this value is the most common meaning of "pound" as a unit of weight.
A unit of mass equal to 12 troy ounces (≈ 373.242 g). Today, this is a common unit of weight when measuring precious metals, and is little used elsewhere.

noun

A place for the detention of stray or wandering animals. An animal shelter.
A place for the detention of automobiles that have been illegally parked, abandoned, etc. Short form of impound.

verb

To confine in, or as in, a pound; to impound.

Synonyms

GBP nicker pound sterling quid £hash sharp lb reach

Words that rhyme with pounds

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

grounds expounds sounds mounds gowns frowns hounds surrounds backgrounds abounds confounds crackdowns

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "pounds"?▾

"Pounds" has one syllable.

What is the IPA transcription of "pounds"?▾

The IPA transcription of "pounds" is /paʊndz/.

What does "pounds" mean?▾

Pounds: A unit of mass equal to 16 avoirdupois ounces (= 453.592 37 g). Today this value is the most common meaning of "pound" as a unit of weight.

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