How to Pronounce Waves

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

waves

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

5

Letters

/weɪvz/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “waves”

"waves" has 2 syllables: wav-es. It rhymes with caves and slaves, if that helps it stick.

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

What does waves 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.

verb

  1. To move from side to side; to sway.
  2. To stray, wander.

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.

Hear “waves” 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 waves

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

cavesslavescravesgravesclavesknavesairwavesmicrowavessavesbravesenclavesshaves

Related words

beckonundulateundulationflapwafturebrandishcurlflourish

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "waves"?▾

"Waves" has 2 syllables: wav · es.

What is the IPA transcription of "waves"?▾

The IPA transcription of "waves" is /weɪvz/.

What does "waves" mean?▾

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

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