Polysyllabic Meaning in English

word

US

ˌpɑˌɫisɪˈɫæbɪk

pah-lee-si-LAB-ik

UK

pˌɒlɪsɪlˈæbɪk

pol-i-si-LAB-ik

Definition

Describing a word with more than one syllable; usually referring to words with three or more syllables.

Usage & Nuances

More common in academic and linguistic contexts. Contrasts with 'monosyllabic' (one syllable) and 'disyllabic' (two syllables). Not used for sentences, only words.

• Spanish: polisilábico
• Portuguese (BR): polissilábico
• Portuguese (PT): polissilábico
• Chinese (Simplified): 多音节的
• Chinese (Traditional): 多音節的
• Hindi: बहुत-अक्षरी
• Arabic: متعدد المقاطع
• Bengali: বহুঅক্ষরিক
• Russian: многосложный
• Japanese: 多音節の
• Vietnamese: đa âm tiết
• Korean: 다음절의
• Turkish: çok heceli
• Urdu: کثیرالمقاطع
• Indonesian: polisilabis - banyak suku kata

Example Sentences

'Beautiful' is a polysyllabic word.

basic

He prefers to use polysyllabic words when he writes.

basic

The teacher explained what polysyllabic means.

basic

Kids sometimes struggle with polysyllabic words when learning to read.

natural

When you use too many polysyllabic words, your speech can sound complicated.

natural

Some languages have more polysyllabic words than others.

natural