One syllable: Zone.
zohn
/zoʊn/
Zone is pronounced zohn (/zoʊn/). It has one syllable (Zone), with the stress on "Zone". Zone is a distinct area or sector characterized by a specific function, purpose, or boundary. It denotes a defined region in space or activity, often used to categorize or regulate where certain actions may occur. The term can describe geographic areas, time periods allocated for tasks, or a designated area within a larger system.
nounZone is a distinct area or sector characterized by a specific function, purpose, or boundary. It denotes a defined region in space or activity, often used to categorize or regulate where certain actions may occur. The term can describe geographic areas, time periods allocated for tasks, or a designated area within a larger system.
"The school created a quiet study zone away from the bustle of the cafeteria."
"Scientists manned a quarantine zone to prevent the spread of contamination."
"In this project, we’re focusing on the innovation zone of the city."
Pronounce it as /zoʊn/ in US English and /zəʊn/ in UK/AU English. The initial sound is a voiced alveolar sibilant /z/, followed by the long vowel /oʊ/ or /əʊ/ and a final /n/. The word is one syllable with primary stress on the only syllable. Tip: keep the mouth rounded for /oʊ/ and finish with a crisp /n/ by lightly touching the tongue to the alveolar ridge.
Common errors include saying /zoʊən/ with an extra schwa or misplacing the /z/ as /s/. Some learners insert a vowel between /z/ and /oʊ/, producing /zoʊ-ən/. To correct, transition directly from /z/ to /oʊ/ with a single smooth glide and finalize with a clean alveolar nasal /n/. Practice by saying “zone” in a mirror, focusing on a tight mouth shape for /oʊ/ and a quick, closed-lip finish for /n/.
In US English, /zoʊn/ with a pure /oʊ/ diphthong; in many UK varieties, /zəʊn/ or /zoʊn/ depending on speaker, with a less rhotic influence in some dialects. Australian speakers typically use /zəʊn/ or /zoʊn/ with a mid-to-high back rounded vowel; rhoticity is less pronounced, so /r/ is not present. All share the final /n/, but vowel quality and the degree of vowel centering differ. IPA references aid precise tracking across regions.
The challenge lies in the diphthong /oʊ/ or /əʊ/, which requires a smooth vowel glide from /o/ to /ʊ/ while maintaining a close, rounded lip shape, all in a single syllable. Some learners also mispronounce with a separate schwa or add an extra vowel. Keeping the tongue relaxed but anchored near the alveolar ridge for the final /n/ helps prevent vowel intrusion and ensures a crisp nasal finish.
A key point is that the word carries the same vowel quality across major dialects, but the starting point of the diphthong can feel different due to regional vowel shifts. In some accents, the /oʊ/ begins with a closer vowel, in others a more open starting point. Focusing on the single, strong /z/ onset and a compact, single-syllable nucleus helps unify pronunciation across contexts.
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Zone comes from the French zone, from Latin zona meaning a belt or girdle; this itself traces to Greek成 zona (zōnē) meaning a belt or girdle. The English adoption occurred in the 16th century with sense related to belt-like boundaries or zones of control. Over time, the term broadened from a physical boundary to more abstract domains—time zones, danger zones, or zones of influence—reflecting its core sense of a defined, bounded region. The word has also retained a sense of demarcation in both geographic and functional contexts. Early usage often conveyed political or military boundaries, while modern usage spans urban planning, technology, and everyday talk about areas of activity. The progression from a tangible belt to a conceptual space demonstrates how language preserves the idea of edges and borders as a means of organizing complexity.
💡 Etymology tip: Understanding word origins can help you remember pronunciation patterns and recognize related words in the same language family.
Help others use "Zone" correctly by contributing grammar tips, common mistakes, and context guidance.
💡 These words have similar meanings to "Zone" and can often be used interchangeably.
🔄 These words have opposite meanings to "Zone" and show contrast in usage.
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Words that rhyme with "Zone"
-one sounds
Practice with these rhyming pairs to improve your pronunciation consistency:
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