SnapPhonics

bow

BOW/ˈbaʊ/verb
  1. nounA weapon made of a curved stick with a string stretched between its ends, used to shoot arrows.

  2. verbTo bend forward from the waist or head to show respect or say hello.

  3. nounA knot with two loops, often used to tie shoelaces or decorate presents.

  4. nounA rod with horsehair stretched between the ends, used to play stringed instruments like violins.

  5. nounThe front part of a ship or boat.

  6. nounA curved bend in something, like a river or rainbow.

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Syllables

bow

1 syllable

Letters

Word forms:

Related words (same phonics pattern)

Phonics breakdown

b

Phonics Rule: Letter B

The letter B makes the /b/ sound, like in 'bat', 'big', and 'bug'. Both lips press together then release.

B is a voiced bilabial stop — both lips press together and release with voice. It always makes the /b/ sound except when silent at the end of words after m (as in 'lamb' or 'comb').

Tip

B looks like a bat — and bat starts with /b/!

Examples

ow

Phonics Rule: OW Diphthong

OW sometimes makes the /aʊ/ sound, like in 'cow' and 'how'.

OW can make the /aʊ/ diphthong sound (like 'cow') or the long O sound /oʊ/ (like 'snow'). The /aʊ/ sound is more common before N, L, and D.

Tip

OW — ow! The cow says ow!

Examples

What is SnapPhonics?

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