How to Pronounce Shelves

To pronounce "shelves", say SHELV-es — 2 syllables, IPA /ˈʃɛlvz/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

shelves

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Accent

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Speed

Syllable by syllable — tap each one

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Syllables

Letters

/ˈʃɛlvz/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “shelves”

"shelves" has 2 syllables: shelv-es. It rhymes with elves and themselves, if that helps it stick.

What does shelves mean?

noun

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.
The capacity of such an object
“a shelf of videos”

verb

To place on a shelf.
“The library needs volunteers to help shelve books.”
To set aside; to quit or postpone.
“They shelved the entire project when they heard how much it would cost.”

Synonyms

shelfful coitize go to bed with sleep with pigeonhole table

Words that rhyme with shelves

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

elves themselves delves twelves ourselves selves bookshelves pelves theirselves yourselves

Related words

table remit postpone defer bars beams

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "shelves"?▾

"Shelves" has 2 syllables: shelv · es.

What is the IPA transcription of "shelves"?▾

The IPA transcription of "shelves" is /ˈʃɛlvz/.

What does "shelves" mean?▾

Shelves: 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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