How to Pronounce Shoehorn

To pronounce "shoehorn", say SHOEH-orn — 2 syllables, IPA /ˈʃuːˌhɔː(ɹ)n/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

shoehorn

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Accent

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Syllables

Letters

/ˈʃuːˌhɔː(ɹ)n/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “shoehorn”

"shoehorn" has 2 syllables: shoeh-orn. It rhymes with forlorn and scorn, if that helps it stick.

What does shoehorn mean?

noun

A smooth tool that assists in putting the foot into a shoe, by sliding the heel in after the toe is in place. This reduces discomfort and damage to the back of the shoe. By slipping it into the back of the shoe behind the heel, the user prevents the heel from squashing down the back of the shoe and causing difficulty; instead the heel slides down the smooth shoehorn, which then comes out easily once the foot is in place.
Anything by which a transaction is facilitated; a medium.

verb

To use a shoehorn.
To force (something) into (a tight space); to squeeze (something) into (a schedule, etc); to exert great effort to insert or include (something); to include (something) despite potent reasons not to.
“His staff want to shoehorn an extra stop into his already packed campaigning schedule.”

Synonyms

shoeing-horn slipper spoon

Words that rhyme with shoehorn

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

forlorn scorn adorn horn sworn unicorn mourn porn torn worn lowborn morne

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "shoehorn"?▾

"Shoehorn" has 2 syllables: shoeh · orn.

What is the IPA transcription of "shoehorn"?▾

The IPA transcription of "shoehorn" is /ˈʃuːˌhɔː(ɹ)n/.

What does "shoehorn" mean?▾

Shoehorn: A smooth tool that assists in putting the foot into a shoe, by sliding the heel in after the toe is in place. This reduces discomfort and damage to the back of the shoe. By slipping it into the back of the shoe behind the heel, the user prevents the heel from squashing down the back of the shoe and causing difficulty; instead the heel slides down the smooth shoehorn, which then comes out easily once the foot is in place.

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