Syllable Meaning and Definition
Syllable
Pronunciation
/sɪlˈəbəl/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A unit of sound in a word, especially one of the separate sounds in a word that contains more than one vowel sound.
Etymology
The word “Syllable” comes from the Greek word “συλλαβή” (syllabē), meaning “a taking together” or “a seizing”, and refers to the process of combining sounds together in a word.
Usage Notes
In English, a syllable is usually a unit of sound that contains a vowel sound, and is often marked by a pause or a slight separation of the sounds. Syllables are important in word formation, as they help to distinguish between words with different meanings.
Additional Information
In linguistics, the concept of a syllable is used to analyze the structure of words and to explain how they are pronounced. Syllables are often used in poetry and song lyrics to create a rhythmic effect. In language teaching, the concept of syllables is used to help learners understand how to pronounce words correctly.
A syllable can be open or closed. An open syllable is one that ends with a vowel, while a closed syllable is one that ends with a consonant. For example, the word “banana” has three syllables: ba-na-na.