English dictionary, thesaurus, translations & etymology
FreeDict.com
adv B1 Intermediate Uncommon

aloud

uh-LOWD

Aloud (adv) means using a spoken, audible voice rather than silently. Example: “She read the letter aloud to the whole family.”

adv
1
Using a spoken, audible voice rather than silently.
"She read the letter aloud to the whole family."
"Please think before you speak your thoughts aloud in the meeting."

How to Use Aloud

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishOut loud, using your voice, instead of reading or thinking silently.

Common mistake

Don't confuse with "allowed" (permitted) — they sound identical but are unrelated words.

Easily confused with
Common pairings
read aloud think aloud say it aloud
Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.
Test yourself on “aloud” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage

Fill the Gap

Can you complete this real example?

She read the letter _____ to the whole family.

Etymology

From Middle English a loude, formed from a- + loud.

Origin: Middle English

Rhymes for aloud

See all rhymes for aloud →

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “aloud” mean?

The word “aloud” means using a spoken, audible voice rather than silently. In plain terms, out loud, using your voice, instead of reading or thinking silently.

How do you pronounce “aloud”?

“Aloud” is pronounced uh-LOWD (/əˈlaʊd/ in IPA).

How do you use “aloud” in a sentence?

Here is “aloud” used in a sentence: “She read the letter aloud to the whole family.”

What part of speech is “aloud”?

“Aloud” is an adverb.

Where does the word “aloud” come from?

The word “aloud” comes from Middle English. From Middle English a loude, formed from a- + loud.

Is “aloud” a common word?

“Aloud” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.

Featured In

Definitions: FreeDict original editorial