chicken

How to Split "chicken" into Syllables

The word chicken is divided into 2 syllables: chi·cken. Understanding this syllable division is essential for correct pronunciation and spelling.

📝 Syllable Breakdown

• chi — 1st syllable
• cken — 2nd syllable

🔊 Pronunciation Guide

The phonetic transcription of chicken:

• IPA: /ˈt͡ʃɪkɪn/

📖 Definitions

1. chicken (countable and uncountable, plural chickens)
2. "This case will make a stir, sir," he remarked. "It beats anything I have seen, and I am no chicken."

📚 Word Origin & History

From Middle English chiken (also as chike > English chick), from Old English ċicen, ċycen (“chicken”), of uncertain origin. Possibly from Proto-West Germanic *kiukīn (“chicken”), or alternatively from Proto-West Germanic *kukkīn, equivalent to cock +‎ -en. Compare North Frisian schückling (“chicken”), Saterland Frisian Sjuuken (“chicken”), Dutch kuiken (“chick, chicken”), German Low German Küken (“chick”), whence German Küken (“chick”), (elevated, obsolete) G...

✓ Why Learn Syllable Division?

Understanding how to break down chicken 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

📊 Similar Words Comparison

Compare chicken with related words to understand syllable patterns:

Word	Syllables	Division
chicken	2	chi·cken
chignon	2	chig-non
chosen	2	cho-sen
cousin	2	cou-sin
chasm	1	chasm

🔗 Related Words

Explore syllable divisions of words related to chicken:

Chi, chic, chin, chip, chit, Chiba, chick, chide.