spur
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
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
When R comes after U, it makes the /ɜːr/ sound, like in 'turn' and 'burn'.
UR makes the same /ɜːr/ sound as ER and IR. It's the least common of the three spellings.
Tip
The nurse with fur says /ɜːr/!
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.
