How to pronounce waif
Say it like WAYF. Waif 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 waif. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- WAYF
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Waif pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- WAYFSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
American vs British pronunciation of waif
American and British speakers say waif in essentially the same way: /weɪf/ in the US and /weɪf/ in the UK.
British respelling: WAYF.
What does waif mean?
- Something found, especially if without an owner; something which comes along, as it were, by chance.
- A person (especially a child) who is homeless and without means of support; also, a person excluded from society; an outcast.
- A very thin person, especially a young one.
- Something (such as clouds or smoke) carried by wind or water.
- To cast aside or reject, and thus make a waif.
Where does waif come from?
The verb is derived from the noun.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with waif
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of waif.
Questions about saying waif
How do you pronounce waif?
Say WAYF. The American pronunciation is /weɪf/. In British English it is /weɪf/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in waif?
Waif is a single syllable, so the whole word carries the stress. Broken into parts: WAYF.
Do Americans and Brits say waif the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /weɪf/ and the British form is /weɪf/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.