What does "syllable" mean?
A unit of human speech which often forms words corresponding to one opening of the mouth; a vowel and its surrounding consonants.
Syllable
/ˈsɪl.ə.bəl/ noun, verb
noun, verb ·Moderate ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A unit of human speech which often forms words corresponding to one opening of the mouth; a vowel and its surrounding consonants.
- Grammar: syllable is listed as noun, verb.
- Nearest alternatives: allophone, alveolar, antistrophe, antonym.
- Useful contrasts: monosyllable, polysyllable.
- Usage evidence: The accent of the word is on the second syllable.
How to use "syllable"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "syllable" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "syllable" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "syllable" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "syllable" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "syllable" is acting as noun, verb in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "allophone" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "syllable", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A unit of human speech which often forms words corresponding to one opening of the mouth; a vowel and its surrounding consonants.
"I wanted to look up velleity and quotidian and memorize the fuckers for all time, spell them, learn them, pronounce them syllable by syllable—vocalize, phonate, utter the sounds, say the words for all they're worth."
- 2 a unit of spoken language larger than a phoneme wordnet
- 3 The written representation of a given pronounced syllable.
- 4 A small part of a sentence or discourse; anything concise or short; a particle.
"Then let them caſt backe their eyes vnto former generations of men, and marke what was done in the prime of the world. Seth, Enoch, Noah, Sem, Abraham, Iob, and the reſt that liued before any ſyllable of the law of God was written, did they not ſinne as much as wee doe in euery action not commanded?"
Verb
- 1 To utter in syllables. poetic, transitive
"[A] thouſand fantaſies Begin to throng into my memorie Of calling ſhapes, and beckning ſhadows dire, And ayrie tongues, that ſyllable mens names On Sands, and Shoars, and deſert Wilderneſſes."
Antonyms
Example
"The accent of the word is on the second syllable."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "syllable"?
Common synonyms include: allophone, alveolar, antistrophe, antonym, apico-alveolar, apico-dental.
How do you use "syllable" in a sentence?
The accent of the word is on the second syllable.
How do you pronounce "syllable"?
Pronounced /ˈsɪl.ə.bəl/.
Etymology
From Middle English syllable, sillable, syllabylle, sylabul, from Anglo-Norman sillable, from Old French sillebe, from Latin syllaba, from Ancient Greek συλλαβή (sullabḗ), from συλλαμβάνω (sullambánō, “I gather together”), from συν- (sun-, “together”) + λαμβάνω (lambánō, “I take”).