A syllable is a single unit of written or spoken word, an unbroken sound used to make up words.
One syllable words known as monosyllabic:Cat, dog, car, sky.
Two syllables words known as disyllabic:Ho-tel, Po-em, Chor-us.
Three syllables words known as trisyllabic:Beau-ti-ful, met-a-phor, po-e-try.
More than three syllables words known as 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 syllables and enter it into one of our poetry competitions.
More poetry terms: