Search Dictionary
Definition of syllable

syllable

/ˈsɪl.ə.bəl/
syl · la · ble
Adverb:syllabically
•
Plural:syllables
•
Adjective:syllabic
•
Past Simple:syllabled
•
Past Participle:syllabled
•
Present Participle:syllabling
JUMP TO:

syllable Lexical Profile

syllable Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A unit of pronunciation having one vowel sound, with or without surrounding consonants, forming the whole or a part of a word.

Example

"The teacher asked the students to clap their hands for each syllable in their names."

2

The slightest bit of spoken or written expression (usually used in the negative).

Example

"Do not breathe a single syllable of our confidential plan to anyone."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for syllable

• verb

1

To pronounce or articulate clearly, syllable by syllable.

Example

"The actor carefully syllabled every line of the soliloquy so the audience in the back row could hear."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for syllable
Antonyms
View all antonyms for syllable

• Rhymes for syllable

• Nearby Words

syilx
syllabic
syllabication
syllable
syllabus
sylph
sylva river

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed from Anglo-Norman French 'sillable', via Latin 'syllaba', from Ancient Greek 'syllabe' ('that which is held together'), derived from 'syn-' ('together') and 'lambanein' ('to take').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Syllable. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/syllable
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.