lesbian

Syllables:
les·bian
2 syllables
lesbian in syllables

About "lesbian"

Syllables
2
Letters
7
Language
EN

How to Split "lesbian" into Syllables

The word lesbian is divided into 2 syllables: les·bian. Understanding this syllable division is essential for correct pronunciation and spelling.

📝 Syllable Breakdown

  • les — 1st syllable
  • bian — 2nd syllable

🔊 Pronunciation Guide

The phonetic transcription of lesbian:

  • IPA: /ˈlɛz.bɪ.ən/

Listen to Pronunciation

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📖 Definitions

  1. lesbian (comparative more lesbian, superlative most lesbian)
  2. A homosexual woman, one who is exclusively sexually or romantically attracted to other women.

📚 Word Origin & History

From Latin Lesbiana, from Ancient Greek Λέσβος (Lésbos) + Latin adjective suffix -iana; by reference to Sappho of Lesbos (whence also sapphist, sapphic), known for her sentimental poems about women. This sense of the word may have been borrowed from, or influenced by, the German cognate lesbisch, where it is found in medical literature from the 1830s. Borrowed from French lesbien.

✓ Why Learn Syllable Division?

Understanding how to break down lesbian 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 lesbian:

Les, Lesa, less, lesion, Lesley, Leslie, lessee, lessen.

Frequently Asked Questions About "lesbian"

How many syllables does "lesbian" have?

lesbian has 2 syllables: les·bian. The word is divided into 2 distinct sound units that make up the complete pronunciation.

Where is the stress in "lesbian"?

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

How do you pronounce "lesbian"?

lesbian is pronounced as /ˈlɛz.bɪ.ən/ (IPA notation). The syllables are divided as: les·bian.

Is "lesbian" easy to spell?

Breaking lesbian into syllables helps with spelling: les·bian. By pronouncing each syllable separately, you can identify the letters more easily and avoid common spelling mistakes.

Why learn to divide "lesbian" 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.