syllable
Elementary (A2)
IPA: /ˈsɪl.ə.bəl/
KK: /ˈsɪl.ə.bəl/
noun
Definition
A part of a word that has one vowel sound and is pronounced as a single unit. It can be made up of just a vowel or a vowel with surrounding consonants.
Example
The word 'banana' has three syllables: ba-na-na.
Conversation
How many syllables are in the word 'banana'?
I think there are three syllables in it.
Right! I always find it fun to count syllables in words.
Me too! It helps with learning how to pronounce them better.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
mora
phoneme
unit
Antonyms
silence
void
absence
transitive verb
Definition
A unit of sound in a word that typically contains a vowel sound and is pronounced as a single beat.
Example
The word 'banana' has three syllables: ba-na-na.
Tense Forms
Past: syllabled
Past Participle: syllabled
Conversation
Can you help me syllable this word for my English class?
Sure! Which word are you trying to pronounce?
It's 'unbelievable,' and I'm not sure where to break it down.
Root Explanation
Syllable → It is formed from "syllabē" (from Latin, meaning a part of a word) and the suffix "-le" (indicating a small unit). The word "syllable" refers to a small unit of sound in a word, typically containing a vowel sound.
Memory Tip
Think of a syllable as a small part of a word, like a building block of sound, where each block contains a vowel sound.
Visually Confused Words
disyllable
sellable
unsyllabled
trisyllable
dissyllable
sulliable
spellable
smellable