Syllable

A syllable is a basic unit of organization in a sequence of speech sounds, including within a word. It usually has a nucleus, most often a vowel, and may have an onset before it and a coda after it. Syllables can carry stress or tone. Although they occur in virtually all human languages, no precise definition is valid for every known language.

The picture on this card was made with AI. It is an illustration, not a real photo of the subject.

Usual structure

A nucleus, often a vowel, optionally with an onset and coda

Example

The word "ignite" has two syllables

Definition

No definition is valid for all known languages