syllable
UK: ˈsɪləb(ə)l | US: ˈsɪləb(ə)l
n. a unit of pronunciation having one vowel sound, with or without surrounding consonants, forming the whole or a part of a word
The word "syllable" originates from Greek syllabos, meaning "a taking together" or "a combination of sounds." It reflects the idea of consonants and vowels being grouped into a single pronounceable unit. The Latin-influenced suffix -able was later added, reinforcing the concept of a sound unit "capable of" being spoken together. This blend of Greek and Latin elements illustrates how linguistic terms often cross language boundaries to describe fundamental concepts.
The word "water" has two syllables: "wa" and "ter."
In poetry, the number of syllables per line affects the rhythm.
She struggled to pronounce the multisyllable word correctly.
English learners often practice breaking words into syllables.
The first syllable of "banana" is stressed.