What does syllable mean?
A syllable is a basic unit of spoken sound, normally organized around a vowel and often accompanied by one or more consonant sounds. Words may consist of a single syllable, as in “cat,” or several syllables, as in “remember.” Dividing words into syllables is useful in teaching reading and pronunciation, describing speech rhythm, and analyzing poetry and meter. The position of a syllable within a word often matters linguistically: in words such as “record” and “present,” stress can change which syllable is pronounced most strongly, sometimes also affecting the vowel sound. Syllables should not be confused with letters, because spelling does not always correspond neatly to pronunciation. The term is used in both formal linguistic analysis and ordinary conversation, and it has no significant regional or social distinction in standard British and American English.
nounA syllable is a segment of spoken sound organized around a vowel sound, typically a vowel alone or a vowel accompanied by surrounding consonants. Syllables are the phonetic building blocks of spoken words.
- A segment of continuous speech organized around a vowel sound, which functions as one of the basic units of pronunciation.
"The teacher's name has four syllables, but she pronounces the last one very quickly."
"Children often confuse the first syllable of the word with the second."
"The poem's meter depends on the number and length of its syllables."
The standard plural adds -s. Syllable is a countable noun and may be used in the singular or plural.
"The two names have noticeably different syllables."
The word “syllable” is itself three syllables: SIL-a-ble.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of syllable
The English word entered Middle English through Old French forms meaning “syllable,” ultimately from Latin syllaba. Latin syllaba was borrowed from Greek syllabē, whose underlying sense is associated with taking or joining sounds together. English subsequently developed related forms such as syllabic, syllabify, and syllabification, while syllabus and syllabary retained close connections with the same Latin and Greek source.
Related word forms
How syllable is actually used
Syllable is a standard, neutral term used in linguistics, education, poetry, and everyday discussion. It is countable, and plural forms are normally used when referring to several spoken units.
Easily confused with syllable
A syllable is a spoken sound unit, whereas a syllabus is an outline or list of topics for a course.