smear
verbTo spread a substance across a surface by rubbing it.
verbTo make something dirty or messy by rubbing.
nounA mark left on a surface by something being spread or rubbed.
nounA false and mean story told about someone to hurt their reputation.
nounA thin layer of a substance spread on a glass slide to look at under a microscope.
nounA blob of sauce or food spread across a plate in cooking.
Phonics breakdown
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
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.
