SnapPhonics

cow

KOW/ˈkaʊ/noun
  1. nounAn adult female animal of the type that gives milk and eats grass in fields.

  2. verbTo make someone feel scared or less brave.

  3. nounA female of other large animals, such as an elephant or whale.

Save to your word list — create a free account

Syllables

cow

1 syllable

Letters

Related words (same phonics pattern)

Phonics breakdown

c

Phonics Rule: Hard C

C makes the /k/ sound before A, O, U, or a consonant, like in 'cat' and 'cup'.

The letter C makes the hard /k/ sound when followed by A, O, U, or a consonant. This is the default C sound. Examples: cat, cup, coat, cold, crab, class.

Tip

C says K before A, O, U — cat, cup, coat!

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?

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.