widow

Syllables:
wi·dow
2 syllables
widow in syllables

About "widow"

Syllables
2
Letters
5
Language
EN

How to Split "widow" into Syllables

The word widow is divided into 2 syllables: wi·dow. Understanding this syllable division is essential for correct pronunciation and spelling.

📝 Syllable Breakdown

  • wi — 1st syllable
  • dow — 2nd syllable

🔊 Pronunciation Guide

The phonetic transcription of widow:

  • IPA: /ˈwɪd.əʊ/

Listen to Pronunciation

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📖 Definitions

  1. A woman whose spouse (traditionally husband) has died (and who has not remarried); a woman in relation to her late spouse; feminine of widower.
  2. Any venomous spider of the genus Latrodectus (called "widows" because of the practice of sexual cannibalism observed among many of these species).

📚 Word Origin & History

From Middle English widwe, from Old English widuwe, from Proto-West Germanic *widuwā, from Proto-Germanic *widuwǭ, from Proto-Indo-European *h₁widʰéwh₂, possibly from *h₁weydʰh₁-, *widʰ- (“to separate, split, cleave, divide”), whence also wood from Old English widu, wudu. Cognates include German Witwe, Dutch weduwe, Gothic 𐍅𐌹𐌳𐌿𐍅𐍉 (widuwō), Old Irish fedb, Latin vidua, Old Church Slavonic въдова (vŭdova), Sanskrit विधवा (vidhavā) and Persian ...

✓ Why Learn Syllable Division?

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

Word Syllables Division
widow 2 wi·dow
without 2 wi-thout
Wed 1 wed
whit 1 whit
Wyatt 1 wyatt

🔗 Related Words

Explore syllable divisions of words related to widow:

wide, widen, width, widget, widener, widgeon, widower, widowhood.

Frequently Asked Questions About "widow"

How many syllables does "widow" have?

widow has 2 syllables: wi·dow. The word is divided into 2 distinct sound units that make up the complete pronunciation.

Where is the stress in "widow"?

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

How do you pronounce "widow"?

widow is pronounced as /ˈwɪd.əʊ/ (IPA notation). The syllables are divided as: wi·dow.

Is "widow" easy to spell?

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

Why learn to divide "widow" 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.