SnapPhonics

clown

KLOWN/ˈklaʊn/noun
  1. nounA performer in a circus who wears funny clothes, a red nose, and face paint to make people laugh.

  2. verbTo act in a silly or funny way.

  3. nounA person who behaves in a silly or foolish way.

  4. nounA small colorful fish that lives in sea anemones.

Save to your word list — create a free account

Syllables

clown

1 syllable

Letters

Related words (same phonics pattern)

Phonics breakdown

cl

Phonics Rule: CL Blend

C and L blend together — you hear both sounds! Like in 'class' and 'clean'.

The blend CL combines /k/ and /l/ spoken quickly together.

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

n

Phonics Rule: Letter N

The letter N makes the /n/ sound, like in 'net', 'nap', and 'nut'. The tongue tip touches behind the upper teeth.

N is a voiced alveolar nasal — the tongue tip touches the ridge behind the upper teeth while voice hums through the nose. It is one of the most common consonants in English.

Tip

N hums through the nose — say /n/ and feel the buzz!

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.