Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

small caps

Word Rarity Uncommon

Frequency: Zipf frequency 4.13 in modern English

Syllables: smal-l- -caps
IPA

15

Scrabble Score

9

Letters

4

Syllables

6

Unique Chars

Meaning

noun

Capital letters shown in the same form but in small size (typically of the same size as lower-case letters).

noun

plural of small cap

Example Sentences

"Because small caps are smaller than full size caps—slightly larger than the x-height—they are less obtrusive and do not overwhelm the upper and lower case type as full size capitals would."
"So, depending on the study you look at, small caps either outperform or they don't. But either way, we think they make a great addition to a well-diversified portfolio."

Etymology

1856. Compare caps (“capitals”), 1856; small capitals, 1770.

Derived Forms

smallcap

Phrases

upper case lower case caps and small caps

Frequently Paired Words

upper case lower case caps and small caps

Synonyms

small capitals

Questions

What does small caps mean?: Capital letters shown in the same form but in small size (typically of the same size as lower-case letters).
Where does small caps come from?: 1856. Compare caps (“capitals”), 1856; small capitals, 1770.

How to pronounce small caps

Open the pronunciation page — Open the Speakur entry for “small caps”.
Read the phonetic spelling — Read the IPA spelling () so you know which sounds to aim for.
Play the audio — Click Play to hear reference audio for “small caps”.
Repeat and practice — Say “small caps” aloud, matching stress and vowels until it feels natural.