How to pronounce shape
Say it like SHAYP. Shape is a single syllable, so the whole word carries the stress.
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce shape. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- SHAYP
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Shape pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- SHAYPSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
American vs British pronunciation of shape
American and British speakers say shape in essentially the same way: /ʃeɪp/ in the US and /ʃeɪp/ in the UK.
British respelling: SHAYP.
What does shape mean?
- any spatial attributes (especially as defined by outline)“he could barely make out their shapes”
- the spatial arrangement of something as distinct from its substance“geometry is the mathematical science of shape”
- alternative names for the body of a human being“Leonardo studied the human body”“he has a strong physique”
- shape or influence; give direction to“experience often determines ability”“mold public opinion”
- make something, usually for a specific function“She molded the rice balls carefully”“Form cylinders from the dough”
- give shape or form to“shape the dough”“form the young child's character”
Where does shape come from?
The noun is cognate with Middle Dutch schap (“form”), Middle High German geschaf (“creature”), Icelandic skap (“state, condition, temper, mood”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with shape
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of shape.
Questions about saying shape
How do you pronounce shape?
Say SHAYP. The American pronunciation is /ʃeɪp/. In British English it is /ʃeɪp/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in shape?
Shape is a single syllable, so the whole word carries the stress. Broken into parts: SHAYP.
Do Americans and Brits say shape the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ʃeɪp/ and the British form is /ʃeɪp/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.