How to Pronounce Sleep

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

sleep

Tap to hear · American accent

Accent

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Speed

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1

Syllable

5

Letters

/sliːp/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “sleep”

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

What does sleep mean?

verb

  1. To rest in a state of reduced consciousness.

    “You should sleep 8 hours a day.”

  2. (of a spinning top or yo-yo) To spin on its axis with no other perceptible motion.

Hear “sleep” 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 sleep

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

creepweepdeepsweepkeeppeepreapleapsteepheapseepclepe

Related words

napslumberrestquietuskipsnoozedozeasleep

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "sleep"?▾

"Sleep" has one syllable.

What is the IPA transcription of "sleep"?▾

The IPA transcription of "sleep" is /sliːp/.

What does "sleep" mean?▾

Sleep: To rest in a state of reduced consciousness.

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