250+ Long U Words List (Free Printable Lists)

Make learning the long u sound (/ū/) easier with these word lists, activities, and teaching tips for kids.

Learning the long u sound can be a tricky part of learning phonics because it stands for two different sounds: “yoo” as in unicorn and “oo” as in ruler. Understanding these differences is an important step in helping your child grow as a reader and speller.

Since the long u sound appears in many everyday words, learning how to spot and say it can give your child a stronger foundation in phonics and make reading and writing easier and more fun!

What is the Long U Sound?

In phonics, the long u sound is written as /ū/. The long u sound is unique because it has two pronunciations:

Understanding these two variations helps children recognize and use the long u sound in different words and contexts.

Why Does Long U Have Two Sounds?

• Consonant Influence & Ease of Pronunciation:
  When the letter u comes after certain consonants, like r  or l, the “yoo” sound becomes harder to pronounce. Instead, it’s simplified to “oo.” For example, it’s easier to say ruler as “roo-ler” instead of “ryoo-ler.” But when u starts a syllable or a word, the “yoo” sound is usually kept, like in unite or music.

The Eight Ways to Spell Long U

Understanding these eight patterns can help learners recognize and decode long u words. As your child practices, they’ll start to notice these patterns on their own. Encouraging them to say the words out loud and listen for the sound of the u can make learning even more engaging. The more they practice, the easier it will become to apply these patterns in everyday reading.

1. U-Consonant-e (VCe)
   
   The vowel-consonant-silent -e (VCe) pattern creates a long vowel sound. For u, this pattern most often results in the /yoo/ sound, but it can also produce the /oo/ sound in certain cases.
   • Examples (/oo/): flute, June, rule, tune, crude
   • Examples (/yoo/): mute, cube, acute, commute, excuse

2. -ue Vowel Team
   
   The vowel team -ue produces the long u sound, often at the end of base words. This pattern can result in either the /yoo/ or /oo/ sound, depending on the word.
   • Examples (/yoo/): rescue, argue, continue, cue
   • Examples (/oo/): blue, glue, true, statue, avenue

3. -ew Vowel Team
   
   The vowel team -ew often appears at the end of words and can produce both long u sounds.
   • Examples (/yoo/): few, view, new, interview
   • Examples (/oo/): stew, flew, grew, chew, brew

4. -eu Vowel Team
   
   The vowel team -eu produces the /yoo/ sound and is typically found at the beginning of words or within words rather than at the end. This pattern is less common than others and often appears in words derived from Greek or Latin.
   • Examples: eucalyptus, feud
     

8. Open Syllables
   
   An open syllable ends with a vowel, allowing the vowel to “say its name.” When u is the final letter of an open syllable, it often produces the /yoo/ sound.
   • Examples: mu-sic, hu-man, u-nite, men-u, pu-pil

Long U Word Lists

These lists include a mix of simple and more advanced words, making them suitable for learners at various levels.

Long U Words with Vowel-Consonant-e:

The vowel-consonant-silent -e (VCe) pattern creates a long vowel sound. For u, this pattern most often results in the /yoo/ sound, but it can also produce the /oo/ sound in certain cases.

Teaching Tip:
Explain the role of the “magic E” as a silent letter that changes the preceding vowel into a long sound. Use visual aids, such as color-coding the vowels and the silent E, to reinforce the concept.

Long U Words with the Vowel Team -ue

These words feature the long u sound created by the vowel team -ue.

Teaching Tip: Use word families to help teach this pattern (blue, clue, true). Encourage students to try both sounds (/yoo/ and /oo/) when decoding new words.

Long U Words with -ew Vowel Team

The vowel team -ew often appears at the end of words and can produce both long u sounds.

Teaching Tip: Point out that -ew is always found at the end of a word. Practice sorting exercises to help students differentiate between /yoo/ and /oo/ pronunciations.

Long U Words with Sound -eu Vowel Team

The vowel team -eu produces the /yoo/ sound and is typically found at the beginning of words or within words rather than at the end.

Long U Words with the Vowel Team –oo

The letter team -oo is another way to spell the /oo/ sound.

Long U Words with the Vowel Team –ou

While -ou is not traditionally categorized as a long u spelling, it produces the same /oo/ sound in many words.

Long U Words with the Vowel Team –ui

The vowel team -ui produces the /oo/ sound and is relatively rare in English, occurring mostly in short base words.

Long U Words with Open Syllables

Open syllables occur when a vowel is left at the end of a syllable, causing it to produce a long vowel sound. The following list includes both words with an open syllable where the vowel u produces the /yoo/ sound and the /oo/ sound. See if your child can spot each long u sound in the words.

Long U Words Used in Sentences

Using long u words in sentences helps children understand how these words function in context and reinforces the distinction between the /yoo/ and /oo/ sounds. Below are example sentences for both pronunciations:

Long U Word Activities

Long Vowel Sounds Worksheets:

Our free printable Long Vowel Sounds Worksheets can help your child practice their understanding of long vowels through fun coloring pages and crossword puzzles.

Looking for More Printable Activities?

See All ABCmouse Printables