whole

How to Split "whole" into Syllables

The word whole is divided into 2 syllables: who·le. Understanding this syllable division is essential for correct pronunciation and spelling.

📝 Syllable Breakdown

• who — 1st syllable
• le — 2nd syllable

🔊 Pronunciation Guide

The phonetic transcription of whole:

• IPA: /həʊl/

📖 Definitions

1. whole (comparative wholer or more whole, superlative wholest or most whole)
2. I brought a whole lot of balloons for the party. She ate a whole bunch of french fries.

📚 Word Origin & History

From Middle English hol, hole (“healthy, unhurt, whole”), from Old English hāl (“healthy, safe”), from Proto-West Germanic *hail, from Proto-Germanic *hailaz (“whole, safe, sound”), from Proto-Indo-European *kéh₂ilos (“healthy, whole”). The spelling with wh-, introduced in the 15th century, represents a pronunciation with an excrescent /w/ that failed to survive in the standard language (compare one, whore).

✓ Why Learn Syllable Division?

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

Word	Syllables	Division
whole	2	who·le
waylay	2	way-lay
we'll	1	we'll
well	1	well
woolie	2	woo-lie

🔗 Related Words

Explore syllable divisions of words related to whole:

who, whoa, whom, whop, who'd, whoop, whore, whorl.