SnapPhonics

smear

SMEER/ˈsmɪr/verb
  1. verbTo spread a substance across a surface by rubbing it.

  2. verbTo make something dirty or messy by rubbing.

  3. nounA mark left on a surface by something being spread or rubbed.

  4. nounA false and mean story told about someone to hurt their reputation.

  5. nounA thin layer of a substance spread on a glass slide to look at under a microscope.

  6. nounA blob of sauce or food spread across a plate in cooking.

Save to your word list — create a free account

Syllables

smear

1 syllable

Letters

Related words (same phonics pattern)

Phonics breakdown

sm

Phonics Rule: SM Blend

S and M blend together — you hear both sounds! Like in 'small' and 'smile'.

The blend SM combines /s/ and /m/ spoken quickly together.

Examples

ear

Phonics Rule: EAR says /ɪər/

EAR usually makes the /ɪər/ sound, like in 'ear', 'hear', and 'near'.

EAR most often says /ɪər/ (the 'ear' sound): ear, hear, near, year, clear, dear, fear.

Tip

Hear with your ear — hear, near, year!

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.