English pronunciation · Words Starting with C
Calves Pronunciation
Calves is pronounced KAVZ, IPA /ˈkævz/.
KAVZ
US /ˈkævz/ · UK /ˈkɑːvz/
Syllables: KAVZ (1 syllable)
noun (plural): Young cattle, or the fleshy backs of the lower legs.
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Calves in a Sentence
- Two calves were born on the same night.
- Her calves ached after the climb.
- The calves were moved to the lower field.
Common Mispronunciations of Calves
Not KALVZ with the l sounded
The l is silent, exactly as in calf, half, and palm. It survives in the spelling only.
Not KAFS
The plural changes the f to a v and voices the ending. Knife becomes knives and leaf becomes leaves the same way.
Tip: British speakers use the long ah of father, Americans the flat a of cat. Neither sounds the l.
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