missile

Syllables:
mis·si·le
3 syllables
missile in syllables

About "missile"

Syllables
3
Letters
7
Language
EN

How to Split "missile" into Syllables

The word missile is divided into 3 syllables: mis·si·le. Understanding this syllable division is essential for correct pronunciation and spelling.

📝 Syllable Breakdown

  • mis — 1st syllable
  • si — 2nd syllable
  • le — 3rd syllable

🔊 Pronunciation Guide

The phonetic transcription of missile:

  • IPA: /ˈmɪs.aɪl/

Listen to Pronunciation

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📖 Definitions

  1. Any object used as a weapon by being thrown or fired through the air, such as stone, arrow or bullet. [from 17th c.]
  2. Riot officers and police on horseback were deployed to disperse the crowns[sic – meaning crowds], but they came under attack from bottles, fireworks and other missiles.

📚 Word Origin & History

From Latin missile (“thrown weapon, projectile”), neuter of missilis (“throwable, capable of being thrown”), from mittere (“to send”). From 1611. Compare Middle French missile (“projectile”), from 1636. Inherited from Middle French, from Latin missilis (“that may be thrown”) (as in English). From missilis.

✓ Why Learn Syllable Division?

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

Word Syllables Division
missile 3 mis·si·le
missal 2 miss-al
mescal 2 mesc-al
Macaulay 3 ma-cau-lay
Monongahela 5 mo-no-nga-he-la

🔗 Related Words

Explore syllable divisions of words related to missile:

misc, miss, mist, misdo, miser, Missy, Misty, miscue.

Frequently Asked Questions About "missile"

How many syllables does "missile" have?

missile has 3 syllables: mis·si·le. The word is divided into 3 distinct sound units that make up the complete pronunciation.

Where is the stress in "missile"?

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

How do you pronounce "missile"?

missile is pronounced as /ˈmɪs.aɪl/ (IPA notation). The syllables are divided as: mis·si·le.

Is "missile" easy to spell?

Breaking missile into syllables helps with spelling: mis·si·le. By pronouncing each syllable separately, you can identify the letters more easily and avoid common spelling mistakes.

Why learn to divide "missile" 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.