How to Pronounce Waive

To pronounce "waive", say WAIV-e — 2 syllables, IPA /weɪv/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

waive

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Accent

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Speed

Syllable by syllable — tap each one

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2

Syllables

5

Letters

/weɪv/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “waive”

"waive" has 2 syllables: waiv-e. It rhymes with enclave and crave, if that helps it stick.

Sounds exactly like: wave — easy to mix up when writing.

What does waive mean?

verb

  1. To relinquish (a right etc.); to give up claim to; to forego.

    “If you waive the right to be silent, anything you say can be used against you in a court of law.”

  2. To put aside, avoid.

Hear “waive” 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 waive

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

enclavecravewavebraveknavelaveconcavecavedepraveconclaveraveshave

Related words

relinquishforfeitforgoforeswearrenderwaiverresign

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "waive"?▾

"Waive" has 2 syllables: waiv · e.

What is the IPA transcription of "waive"?▾

The IPA transcription of "waive" is /weɪv/.

What does "waive" mean?▾

Waive: To relinquish (a right etc.); to give up claim to; to forego.

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