spur
PronouncedSPER
nounA metal tool with a spike that a rider wears on their heel to make a horse go faster.
nounSomething that makes someone want to do something or try harder.
verbTo push a horse forward by using spurs on its sides.
verbTo encourage someone to do something or work harder.
nounA sharp point sticking out from the back leg of a rooster or other bird.
nounA small road or railway line that branches off from a bigger one.
Syllables
1 syllable
Letters
Phonics breakdown
Phonics Rule: SP Blend
Sound“sp”·/sp/
S and P blend together — you hear both sounds! Like in 'spin' and 'sport'.
The blend SP combines /s/ and /p/ spoken quickly together.
Examples
Phonics Rule: R-Controlled UR
Sound“er”·/ɜːr/
When R comes after U, it makes the “er” sound, like in 'turn' and 'burn'.
UR makes the same “er” sound as ER and IR. It's the least common of the three spellings.
Tip
The nurse with fur says “er”!
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.