How to Pronounce Read

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

read

Tap to hear · American accent

Accent

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Speed

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1

Syllable

4

Letters

/ɹiːd/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “read”

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

Sounds exactly like: reed, reade, red, redd — easy to mix up when writing.

What does read mean?

noun

  1. A reading or an act of reading, especially an actor's part of a play.
  2. (in combination) Something to be read; a written work.

    “His thrillers are always a gripping read.”

verb

  1. To look at and interpret letters or other information that is written.

    “Have you read this book?”

  2. To speak aloud words or other information that is written. Often construed with a to phrase or an indirect object.

    “All right, class, who wants to read next?”

Synonyms

clockcopyhearreceiveinterpretmake outmake sense ofscan

Antonyms

pass

Hear “read” 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 read

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

accededreadconcedeimpedecedeleadheaddeadtreadheedprecedeneed

Related words

studyinterpretlearnsaytranslatescanshowunderstand

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "read"?▾

"Read" has one syllable.

What is the IPA transcription of "read"?▾

The IPA transcription of "read" is /ɹiːd/.

What does "read" mean?▾

Read: A reading or an act of reading, especially an actor's part of a play.

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