How to Pronounce Wife

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

wife

Tap to hear · American accent

Accent

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Speed

Syllable by syllable — tap each one

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2

Syllables

4

Letters

/waɪf/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “wife”

"wife" has 2 syllables: wif-e. It rhymes with strife and rife, if that helps it stick.

What does wife mean?

noun

  1. A married woman, especially in relation to her spouse.
  2. The female of a pair of mated animals.

    “A new wife for the gander is introduced into the pen.”

verb

  1. (said of men) to marry

noun

  1. An adult female human.
  2. (collective) All females collectively; womankind.

Synonyms

little womanfemalelady

Antonyms

husbandwere

Hear “wife” 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 wife

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

striferifelifeknifeafterlifealewifeco-wifemidwife

Related words

missusex-wifemrsspousefemmemaidenmadammaid

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "wife"?▾

"Wife" has 2 syllables: wif · e.

What is the IPA transcription of "wife"?▾

The IPA transcription of "wife" is /waɪf/.

What does "wife" mean?▾

Wife: A married woman, especially in relation to her spouse.

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