How to Pronounce Reef

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

reef

Tap to hear · American accent

Accent

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Speed

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1

Syllable

4

Letters

/ɹiːf/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “reef”

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

Sounds exactly like: reif, rief, reiff — easy to mix up when writing.

What does reef mean?

noun

  1. A chain or range of rocks, sand, or coral lying at or near the surface of the water.
  2. A large vein of auriferous quartz; hence, any body of rock yielding valuable ore.

verb

  1. To take in part of a sail in order to adapt the size of the sail to the force of the wind.
  2. To pull or yank strongly, especially in relation to horse riding.

Hear “reef” 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 reef

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

griefmotifbriefbeliefreliefliefdisbeliefbeefsheafleitmotiffiefleaf

Related words

countrysideruralfringingetccreatereevecoralcree

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "reef"?▾

"Reef" has one syllable.

What is the IPA transcription of "reef"?▾

The IPA transcription of "reef" is /ɹiːf/.

What does "reef" mean?▾

Reef: A chain or range of rocks, sand, or coral lying at or near the surface of the water.

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