zip
/zɪp/ UK /zɪp/ · US /zɪp/
A short i CVC word (ɪ) in the actions category. It belongs to the -ip word family.
actionsHear zip
Tap a sound to hear it on its own, or play the whole word below.
How to Say “zip”
Blend the three sounds together slowly, then speed up: /z/ – /ɪ/ – /p/ → zip.
Example Sentences with Zip
- Zip up your coat.
- The zip is broken.
- Zip up your coat.
- She put it in the zip bag.
- The zip is broken.
How to Spell “zip”
Children most often write this word as zip, zpi, zipp. Those errors are useful — each one points to a specific sound the child has not yet connected to a letter.
- "z" says /z/ — the voice buzzes like a bee.
- Short i /ɪ/ in the middle, clipped by the "p".
- Contrast "zip" with "ship" and "tip" to drill the short i.
Phonics Tip for Zip
"zip", "tip", "trip" and "clip" all have short i and a final /p/. Practise them together and the word family sticks.
Fun Facts About Zip
The zip fastener was invented by Gideon Sundback in 1913, based on an earlier design by the Swedish engineer Baron Gideon Sundbäck, and was patented in 1914.
More Words in the -ip Family
Words that rhyme with zip and end with the same sounds:
Related CVC Words
More words with the short i sound that have their own picture guide:
Other Word Families
Move between families:
Where to Practise Zip
- All short i CVC words — 52 words
- The -ip word family
- CVC flash cards — picture cards with audio
- CVC multiple choice quiz
- CVC sentences — read the word in context
- CVC worksheets