How to Pronounce Spend

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

spend

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Accent

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Speed

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1

Syllable

5

Letters

/spɛnd/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “spend”

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

What does spend mean?

noun

  1. Amount of money spent (during a period); expenditure.

    “I’m sorry, boss, but the advertising spend exceeded the budget again this month.”

  2. (in the plural) Expenditures; money or pocket money.

verb

  1. To pay out (money).

    “He spends far more on gambling than he does on living proper.”

  2. To bestow; to employ; often with on or upon.

Hear “spend” 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 spend

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

contendcomprehendapprehendtranscendcommendcondescendattendportendmendfriendextendbend

Related words

passexpenddropexpenseexpendituredisburseprovidebuy

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "spend"?▾

"Spend" has one syllable.

What is the IPA transcription of "spend"?▾

The IPA transcription of "spend" is /spɛnd/.

What does "spend" mean?▾

Spend: Amount of money spent (during a period); expenditure.

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