cue
nounA straight stick used to hit balls in games like pool or snooker.
nounA signal that tells someone to do something.
verbTo give someone a signal to do something.
nounA hint or clue that helps you understand something.
nounThe letter Q or q.
nameA town in Western Australia.
Phonics breakdown
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
Phonics Rule: UE Vowel Team (/juː/)
After most other consonants, UE keeps a Y-glide — like 'rescue' and 'value'.
When UE follows a consonant other than L, R, S, or J, it usually says /juː/ — with a Y-glide at the start. Companion rule to vowel_team_ue.
Tip
UE after most consonants — YOO!
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.