centipede

Syllables:
cen·ti·pe·de
4 syllables
centipede in syllables

About "centipede"

Syllables
4
Letters
9
Language
EN

How to Split "centipede" into Syllables

The word centipede is divided into 4 syllables: cen·ti·pe·de. Understanding this syllable division is essential for correct pronunciation and spelling.

📝 Syllable Breakdown

  • cen — 1st syllable
  • ti — 2nd syllable
  • pe — 3rd syllable
  • de — 4th syllable

🔊 Pronunciation Guide

The phonetic transcription of centipede:

  • IPA: /ˈsɛn.tɪ.pid/

Listen to Pronunciation

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📖 Definitions

  1. Any arthropod of class Chilopoda, which have a segmented body with one pair of legs per segment and from about 20 to 300 legs in total.
  2. The spelling "centiped" was formerly considered the only correct form by prescriptivists and is still preferred by many scientists who work with myriapods, but this spelling is by far the most common in actual use.

📚 Word Origin & History

From French centipède, from Latin centipeda, centipēs, from centi- (“hundred”) + pēs (“foot”); equivalent to centi- +‎ -pede.

✓ Why Learn Syllable Division?

Understanding how to break down centipede into syllables helps with:

  • Correct pronunciation — Knowing syllable structure ensures accurate speech
  • Improved spelling — Breaking words into chunks makes them easier to remember and write
  • Reading fluency — Recognizing syllable patterns speeds up reading comprehension
  • Poetry and lyrics — Syllable counting is essential for meter and rhythm
  • Language learning — Non-native speakers benefit from syllable awareness

🔗 Related Words

Explore syllable divisions of words related to centipede:

cent, censer, censor, census, center, censure, centaur, centavo.

Frequently Asked Questions About "centipede"

How many syllables does "centipede" have?

centipede has 4 syllables: cen·ti·pe·de. The word is divided into 4 distinct sound units that make up the complete pronunciation.

Where is the stress in "centipede"?

The stress is on the first syllable: cen. This means you emphasize the "cen" part when pronouncing centipede.

How do you pronounce "centipede"?

centipede is pronounced as /ˈsɛn.tɪ.pid/ (IPA notation). The syllables are divided as: cen·ti·pe·de.

Is "centipede" easy to spell?

Breaking centipede into syllables helps with spelling: cen·ti·pe·de. By pronouncing each syllable separately, you can identify the letters more easily and avoid common spelling mistakes.

Why learn to divide "centipede" into syllables?

Learning syllable division helps with correct pronunciation, improved spelling, better reading fluency, and is useful for poetry and lyric writing where syllable counting matters. It's especially helpful for language learners.