How to Pronounce Wave

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

wave

Tap to hear · American accent

Accent

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Speed

Syllable by syllable — tap each one

Practice: Record & Compare

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2

Syllables

4

Letters

/weɪv/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “wave”

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

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

What does wave mean?

verb

  1. To move back and forth repeatedly and somewhat loosely.

    “The flag waved in the gentle breeze.”

  2. To move one’s hand back and forth (generally above the shoulders) in greeting or departure.

Words that rhyme with wave

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

enclavewaivecravebraveknavelaveconcavecavedepraveconclaveraveshave

Related words

beckonundulateundulationflapwafturebrandishcurlflourish

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "wave"?▾

"Wave" has 2 syllables: wav · e.

What is the IPA transcription of "wave"?▾

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

What does "wave" mean?▾

Wave: To move back and forth repeatedly and somewhat loosely.

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