zee

Everyday

1. (US, Canada sometimes) The name of the letter Z in American English. tree →
2. (informal) Zees, or z's, means sleep, as in catch some z's, because cartoons show sleep with zzz. tree →

In the lessons

In spelling and alphabet lessons, Americans say zee and most of the UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand and Canada say zed. In comics, zzz shows snoring. Phrases: from A to Z, catch some z's.

Examples

• In the USA, the last letter of the alphabet is called zee. tree →
• In Australia we say zed, but my American cousin says zee. tree →
• The alphabet song in America ends with x, y and zee. tree →
• I'm going to catch some zees before the trip. tree →
• Zebra begins with zee in American speech. tree →
• Canadians usually say zed, but some say zee. tree →

Note

Zee and zed are the same letter Z, said differently. Not to be confused with the sea or the letter C (see).