Rhyming words share the same ending sound. The rhyme begins at the vowel sound and includes the sounds that follow it. The beginning sound of the word can be different, but the ending makes them rhyme.
Say the words aloud and stretch the last part. If the endings sound the same, the words rhyme.
Rhymes are easiest to find by listening carefully. When words rhyme, the endings sound the same. You can clap, tap, or snap to feel the rhythm of the rhyme.
Listen for the vowel and everything after it. The beginning sounds can change, but the rhyme stays the same.
Many rhyming words share the same spelling pattern, like -ake or -ain. Some rhymes match in sound but are spelled differently.
Spelling can help, but listening is the best way to find rhymes. Some words rhyme even if the letters don’t match.
Poems, songs, and chants often use rhymes at the ends of lines. Rhymes help the words sound musical and easier to remember.
When you read poems, pause at the ends of lines. Listen closely—the rhyming words often come last.
Some words sound close but are not true rhymes. True rhymes match exactly in their ending sound. Near rhymes are similar but not the same.
If you are not sure, test the words with one you know rhymes. Example: cat–bat (rhyme) vs. catch–bat (not rhyme).
We can group words by their rhyming endings. Sorting words helps us see patterns, which makes reading and spelling easier.
Sort by sound first. Then check the spelling to be sure. Your ears and eyes work together when finding rhymes.