boys
nounMore than one male child.
nounMore than one young man.
nounMore than one male friend.
nounMore than one male pet or animal, used in a friendly way.
interjectionA cry of surprise or joy.
Syllables
1 syllable
Letters
Phonics breakdown
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
Phonics Rule: OY Diphthong
OY makes the /ɔɪ/ sound at the end of a word, like in 'boy' and 'toy'.
OY makes the same sound as OI but appears at the end of a word or syllable. OI = middle, OY = end.
Tip
OY at the end — the boy has a toy!
Examples
Phonics Rule: Plural -S (/z/ sound)
After voiced sounds, -S says /z/, like in 'dogs' and 'birds'.
After voiced consonants and vowels, the plural -s says /z/. Most people don't notice this — it sounds natural.
Examples
What is SnapPhonics?
A phonics reference for teachers, parents and learners. Every English word, broken into the sounds that make it — with audio, syllables, and the rule behind each spelling.
Save words to study lists, build flashcard decks, and scan your own worksheets and books.
