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What is a Syllable?


A syllable is a single unit of written or spoken word, an unbroken sound used to make up words.

Examples of one syllable words known as monosyllabic

Cat, dog, car, sky.

Examples of two syllables - disyllabic

Ho-tel, Po-em, Chor-us

Examples of three syllables - trisyllabic

Beau-ti-ful, met-a-phor, po-e-try

Examples of more than three syllables – polysyllabic

Ox-y-mor-on

Syllables are used in poetry to give rhythm and depth to sentences.

Why don't you try writing a poem using metaphors and enter it into one of our poetry competitions.

For information on poetry terms other than a metaphor visit our poetry glossary – poetry terms.