How to Pronounce Zed

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

zed

Tap to hear · American accent

Accent

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Speed

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1

Syllable

3

Letters

/zɛd/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “zed”

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

What does zed mean?

noun

  1. The name of the Latin-script letter Z.
  2. (in combination) Something Z-shaped.

    “zed-bar”

verb

  1. To sleep or nap. (Compare zzz, catch some z's.)
  2. To zigzag; to move with sharp alternating turns.

Synonyms

zeeizzard

Hear “zed” 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 zed

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

dreadleadheaddeadtreadbloodshedaforesaidembedgodheadthreadshedread

Related words

zeezetazheez-variantzuluzebraepsilonzwnj

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "zed"?▾

"Zed" has one syllable.

What is the IPA transcription of "zed"?▾

The IPA transcription of "zed" is /zɛd/.

What does "zed" mean?▾

Zed: The name of the Latin-script letter Z.

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