pillow

Syllables:
pil·low
2 syllables
pillow in syllables

About "pillow"

Syllables
2
Letters
6
Language
EN

How to Split "pillow" into Syllables

The word pillow is divided into 2 syllables: pil·low. Understanding this syllable division is essential for correct pronunciation and spelling.

📝 Syllable Breakdown

  • pil — 1st syllable
  • low — 2nd syllable

🔊 Pronunciation Guide

The phonetic transcription of pillow:

  • IPA: /ˈpɪl.əʊ/

Listen to Pronunciation

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📖 Definitions

  1. pillow (countable and uncountable, plural pillows)
  2. A soft cushion used to support the head in bed.

📚 Word Origin & History

From Middle English pilwe, from Old English pyle, pylu (“pillow”), from Proto-West Germanic *pulwī (“pillow”), from Latin pulvīnus (“cushion”), derived from pulvis (“dust, powder”) +‎ -īnus (“-ine”), for the filler of a pillow. Doublet of pulvinus. Cognate with Saterland Frisian Peel (“pillow”), Alemannic German Pfulme (“pillow”), Dutch peluw (“a long, narrow pillow”), German Pfühl (“a big and soft pillow”), German Low German Pöhl (“pad, pillow, cush...

✓ Why Learn Syllable Division?

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

Word Syllables Division
pillow 2 pil·low
phalli 2 phal-li
pueblo 2 pue-blo
phial 2 phi-al
polo 2 po-lo

🔗 Related Words

Explore syllable divisions of words related to pillow:

pile, pill, pilaf, pilau, piles, pilot, pilaff, Pilate.

Frequently Asked Questions About "pillow"

How many syllables does "pillow" have?

pillow has 2 syllables: pil·low. The word is divided into 2 distinct sound units that make up the complete pronunciation.

Where is the stress in "pillow"?

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

How do you pronounce "pillow"?

pillow is pronounced as /ˈpɪl.əʊ/ (IPA notation). The syllables are divided as: pil·low.

Is "pillow" easy to spell?

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

Why learn to divide "pillow" 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.