somersault

Syllables:
so·mer·sault
3 syllables
somersault in syllables

About "somersault"

Syllables
3
Letters
10
Language
EN

How to Split "somersault" into Syllables

The word somersault is divided into 3 syllables: so·mer·sault. Understanding this syllable division is essential for correct pronunciation and spelling.

📝 Syllable Breakdown

  • so — 1st syllable
  • mer — 2nd syllable
  • sault — 3rd syllable

🔊 Pronunciation Guide

The phonetic transcription of somersault:

  • IPA: /ˈsʌməˌsɒlt/

Listen to Pronunciation

Note: Audio requires JavaScript enabled

📖 Definitions

  1. somersault (plural somersaults)
  2. Starting on one's feet, an instance of rotating one's body 360 degrees while airborne or on the ground, with one's feet passing over one's head.

📚 Word Origin & History

From French sombresault (now obsolete, compare French sursaut, soubresaut), from Old Occitan sobresalt, from sobre- (“over, above”) + salt (“jump”), from Latin suprā (“over”) + saltus (“jump”). Doublet of soubresaut. Cognate with Spanish sobresaltar (“to spook, startle”) and Portuguese sobressaltar (“to spook, scare, jump over”).

✓ Why Learn Syllable Division?

Understanding how to break down somersault 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 somersault:

some, Somme, Somali, somber, sombre, Somoza, Somalia, somatic.

Frequently Asked Questions About "somersault"

How many syllables does "somersault" have?

somersault has 3 syllables: so·mer·sault. The word is divided into 3 distinct sound units that make up the complete pronunciation.

Where is the stress in "somersault"?

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

How do you pronounce "somersault"?

somersault is pronounced as /ˈsʌməˌsɒlt/ (IPA notation). The syllables are divided as: so·mer·sault.

Is "somersault" easy to spell?

Breaking somersault into syllables helps with spelling: so·mer·sault. By pronouncing each syllable separately, you can identify the letters more easily and avoid common spelling mistakes.

Why learn to divide "somersault" 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.