How to Pronounce Words

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

words

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Accent

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Speed

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1

Syllable

5

Letters

/wɜːdz/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “words”

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

What does words mean?

noun

  1. The smallest unit of language that has a particular meaning and can be expressed by itself; the smallest discrete, meaningful unit of language. (contrast morpheme.)
  2. Something like such a unit of language:

verb

  1. To say or write (something) using particular words; to phrase (something).

    “I’m not sure how to word this letter to the council.”

  2. To flatter with words, to cajole.

noun

  1. Angry debate or conversation; argument.

    “After she found out the truth, she had words with him, to tell him how she felt.”

  2. Lines in a script for a performance.

    “You better get your words memorised before rehearsal next Saturday.”

Synonyms

Bibleword of GodGodLogospromisevocableexpressphraseput into wordsstate

Hear “words” 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 words

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

passwordsbirdscurdsgirdsthirdsherdshummingbirdssnowbirdswatchwordscrosswordskingbirdsfirebirds

Related words

quarrelwrangledustuprun-inspeechlanguagerowlyric

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "words"?▾

"Words" has one syllable.

What is the IPA transcription of "words"?▾

The IPA transcription of "words" is /wɜːdz/.

What does "words" mean?▾

Words: The smallest unit of language that has a particular meaning and can be expressed by itself; the smallest discrete, meaningful unit of language. (contrast morpheme.)

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