How to Pronounce Shelf

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

shelf

Tap to hear · American accent

Accent

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Speed

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1

Syllable

5

Letters

/ʃɛlf/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “shelf”

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

What does shelf mean?

noun

  1. A flat, rigid structure, fixed at right angles to a wall or forming a part of a cabinet, desk etc., and used to support, store or display objects.
  2. The capacity of such an object

    “a shelf of videos”

Synonyms

shelfful

Words that rhyme with shelf

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

selfmyselfitselfdelphthemselfherselfhimselfbookshelfyourselfself-

Related words

ledgebincabinetdrawerdresserclosetcupboardpantry

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "shelf"?▾

"Shelf" has one syllable.

What is the IPA transcription of "shelf"?▾

The IPA transcription of "shelf" is /ʃɛlf/.

What does "shelf" mean?▾

Shelf: A flat, rigid structure, fixed at right angles to a wall or forming a part of a cabinet, desk etc., and used to support, store or display objects.

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