How this list works
This list finds “ou” anywhere in a word – at the start, in the middle or at the end. For a group of letters, the whole group must appear together, in that order. Familiar words carry a small dot and are listed first. Turn Common words only off for the full list, 300 words to a page.
Use the length tabs and the starts with or ends with boxes to narrow it down. If your letters can be in any order, words with letters is the better tool.
Ways to use words containing OU
Spelling patterns
Letter groups often make the same sound across many words. Collecting common words that contain OU is a quick way to practice a pattern.
Crosswords and puzzles
When you know a chunk of the answer but not where it sits, this list helps. If you also know the length and position, use the crossword helper.
Word searches
Building a word search around a theme or a sound? Pick words from this list, then use the word scramble generator for a matching worksheet.
What you'll find in this list
Common words are listed first because they're the ones you're most likely to need – in puzzles, lessons and everyday writing. The rarer words further down are worth a look too, especially if you enjoy unusual vocabulary.
Every word has a three-dot menu with a short definition (when we have one), its syllables, and links to rhymes and anagrams. Tap Save to keep a word under Your words in this browser.
More ways to search
- Words that start with or words that end in any letters.
- Words with letters you choose, in any order.
- Two letters anywhere in a word, as in words with Q and Z.
- The advanced word search for patterns, excluded letters and parts of speech.
Questions
How many words contain OU?
Our dictionary has 7,550 words with OU in them. Of those, 2,343 are common everyday words.
Do the letters have to be next to each other?
Yes, when you search for more than one letter: they must appear together, in the order shown. To find words that contain letters in any order, use words with letters.
What is the longest word containing OU?
In our list it's conscientiously, with 15 letters. Use the length tabs above the list to browse other long words.
What are some common words with OU in them?
A few everyday examples are youth, group, house, ground, source. Common words come first in the list and are marked with a small dot.
Can I find words that contain OU and start with a certain letter?
Yes. Type the letter into the starts with box above the list, or add an ending in the ends with box. The list updates as you type.
Last updated October 2, 2026