labor

How to Split "labor" into Syllables

The word labor is divided into 2 syllables: la·bor. Understanding this syllable division is essential for correct pronunciation and spelling.

📝 Syllable Breakdown

• la — 1st syllable
• bor — 2nd syllable

🔊 Pronunciation Guide

The phonetic transcription of labor:

• IPA: /ˈleɪ.bɚ/

📖 Definitions

1. labor (countable and uncountable, plural labors)
2. labor (third-person singular simple present labors, present participle laboring, simple past and past participle labored)

📚 Word Origin & History

Borrowed from Latin labōrem. Clipping of laboratoorium. Borrowed from German Labor. From Old Latin labōs, of uncertain origin. Perhaps from a Proto-Indo-European root *leb- (“to seize, take”), whence Sanskrit लभते (labhate, “take, gain”) and Lithuanian lõbis (“wealth”). More commonly connected with labō (“I totter”) (see Etymology 2 below), via semantic development "teetering under a heavy load" → "burden" → "work", but this is rejected by De Vaan, who however pr...

✓ Why Learn Syllable Division?

Understanding how to break down labor 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 labor with related words to understand syllable patterns:

Word	Syllables	Division
labor	2	la·bor
layover	2	layov-er
leaver	2	leav-er
lobber	2	lobb-er
laborer	3	la-bor-er

🔗 Related Words

Explore syllable divisions of words related to labor:

lab, Laban, label, labia, labial, labile, labium, labored.