SnapPhonics

plums

PLUHMZ/ˈplʌmz/noun
  1. nounMore than one small, soft, round fruit with smooth skin that is usually dark red or purple.

  2. nounMore than one tree that grows these fruits.

  3. nounMore than one really good or special thing that someone wants to have.

  4. nounA dark bluish-red colour like the colour of some of these fruits.

Save to your word list — create a free account

Syllables

plums

1 syllable

Letters

Base word

plum

Related words (same phonics pattern)

Phonics breakdown

pl

Phonics Rule: PL Blend

P and L blend together — you hear both sounds! Like in 'play' and 'plan'.

The blend PL combines /p/ and /l/ spoken quickly together.

Examples

u

Phonics Rule: Short U

The letter U makes a short sound, like in 'cup' and 'bus'.

When the letter U appears in a closed syllable, it usually makes the short U sound /ʌ/. This sounds like 'uh'.

Tip

U says /ʌ/ like 'uh-oh, what's up?'

Examples

m

Phonics Rule: Letter M

The letter M makes the /m/ sound, like in 'map', 'mud', and 'mop'. Both lips press together with voice through the nose.

M is a voiced bilabial nasal — both lips press together while the voice hums through the nose. Double M (mm) makes the same /m/ sound.

Tip

M hums like mmm — press your lips and hum!

Examples

s

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.