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Definition of alliterate

alliterate

/əˈlɪt.ə.ɹeɪt/
al · lit · er · ate
Adverb:alliteratively
•
Adjective:alliterative
•
Past Simple:alliterated
•
Past Participle:alliterated
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Present Participle:alliterating
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alliterate Lexical Profile

alliterate Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To begin with the same consonant sound or identical initial sound (of two or more closely connected words).

Example

"In Old English poetry, stressed syllables in the first half of a line typically alliterate with the first stressed syllable in the second half."

2

To compose or arrange words so that they exhibit alliteration.

Example

"Copywriters frequently alliterate brand names and slogans to make them more memorable to consumers."

• Rhymes for alliterate

• Nearby Words

alligator gar
alligator lizard
alligator snapping turtle
alliterate
alliteration
alliterative
allium

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in the early 19th century as a back-formation from "alliteration," which was coined in Neo-Latin by Italian humanist Giovanni Pontano from Latin "ad-" (to) and "littera" (letter).

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Alliterate. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/alliterate
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