/teɪps/
tapes is pronounced /teɪps/. Tapes is the plural noun or verb form related to tape, meaning multiple strips or pieces of tape, or the act of recording via a tape medium. In everyday use it commonly functions as a plural noun (e.g., sticky tapes) or as the third-person singular present tense of tape (e.g., she tapes the poster). The word centers on a simple CVCVC-like sequence with a final z sound in plural form.
Say it backTapes is the plural noun or verb form related to tape, meaning multiple strips or pieces of tape, or the act of recording via a tape medium. In everyday use it commonly functions as a plural noun (e.g., sticky tapes) or as the third-person singular present tense of tape (e.g., she tapes the poster). The word centers on a simple CVCVC-like sequence with a final z sound in plural form.
"She bought several tapes to mount the poster."
"The historian tapes the interview for archival purposes."
"Electrical tapes and masking tapes are sold in a variety of colors."
You pronounce it as /ˈteɪps/. The stress falls on the first syllable. Start with a long A as in “lay,” then a quick /p/ with a preceding /t/ release before the /s/ at the end. The final /z/ of the plural is voiced, so you should allow a light buzzing sound after the /p/. Audio reference: listen for the smooth transition from /eɪ/ to /p/ and finish with /z/ instead of /s/.
Common mistakes include de-voicing the final /z/ to an /s/ and misplacing the stress so it sounds like /ˈteɪps/ with a quick, clipped /t/. Another frequent error is confusing the /t/ and /d/ in rapid speech, producing /ˈdeɪps/. Focus on keeping the initial /t/ aspirated and ensure the /p/ is released before the /s/ and /z/ cluster. Practicing with minimal pairs helps solidify the /t/ + /p/ sequence and the voiced /z/ end.
In US, UK, and AU, the core /ˈteɪps/ pronunciation remains, with the main differences in vowel quality and rhoticity. The /t/ is aspirated; the vowel /eɪ/ is a diphthong starting near /e/ and gliding toward /ɪ/. The final /p/ is followed by a voiceless /s/ or a voiced /z/ depending on plurality; in careful speech, /z/ is pronounced. Rhotic differences mainly affect surrounding vowels in connected speech, not the stressed syllable itself. The AU accent often shows slightly broader vowel quality and less aggressive final /z/ in rapid speech.
The difficulty mainly comes from the /t/ to /p/ transition in a single syllable and maintaining the final voiced /z/ in rapid speech. The tongue must move quickly from alveolar /t/ to bilabial /p/ without a stop-in-between; releasing with a smooth /p/ prior to /s/ and then voicing for /z/ can be tricky for non-native speakers. Also, keeping air flow steady so the /z/ remains audible, especially in noisy environments, can require controlled breath support and precise voicing.
A unique feature is the fluent chaining of two voiceless plosives (/t/ and /p/) in rapid succession before a voiced consonant /z/; mastering the timing and voicing of the final /z/ is essential. Ensure you reduce vowel length slightly when the word is pluralized in connected speech, so it remains crisp and not overly elongated. Watch out for /z/ devoicing when attention to voicing is low.
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Tape originates from the Old English word tape, a term that referred to a narrow strip of fabric or material. The modern sense—from early adhesive roll materials used for binding and sealing—developed through the 19th and 20th centuries as adhesive tapes became standardized in manufacturing and consumer packaging. In English, tape as a mass noun evolved to include many types (adhesive, electrical, duct, masking, scotch, and medical tapes), each derived from or clinically described by their material and adhesive properties. The verb tape, meaning to affix with tape, extended from the noun usage as usage patterns shifted toward action verbs in the 20th century, especially in broadcasting and journalism contexts where “tape” also referred to audiovisual recording. First known uses appear in the 17th- to 19th-century English texts, with the modern plural and verb forms clearly established by the mid-1900s as tape products proliferated across industries and domestic life. The linguistic evolution mirrors technology adoption: from simple strips to specialized products, and from a material noun to a versatile verb in everyday language.
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💡 These words have similar meanings to "tapes" and can often be used interchangeably.
🔄 These words have opposite meanings to "tapes" and show contrast in usage.
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Words that rhyme with "tapes"
-pes sounds
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