How this list works
This list finds “ough” 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 OUGH
Reading practice
Phonics lessons often focus on one letter group at a time. Choose a short length and common words only for a ready-made practice list.
Word games
Holding a tricky group of letters? Find words that use it, then check what you can make with the rest of your letters in the word unscrambler.
Writing challenges
Try writing a short story where every sentence includes a word with OUGH in it. Pick your favorites from the list as you go.
What you'll find in this list
The most common length for words containing OUGH is 8 letters, with 44 words. Use the length tabs to jump to that group, or to much shorter and longer words.
Not sure what a word means? Open its three-dot menu to see a short definition when we have one, plus its syllables and links to rhymes and anagrams. Tap Save to keep it 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 OUGH?
Our dictionary has 238 words with OUGH in them. Of those, 114 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 OUGH?
In our list it's thoughtlessness, with 15 letters. Use the length tabs above the list to browse other long words.
What are some common words with OUGH in them?
A few everyday examples are enough, thought, bough, trough, rough. Common words come first in the list and are marked with a small dot.
Can I find words that contain OUGH 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