How Many Syllables In Marshmallow?
3syllables
Marshmallow has 3 syllables, marsh-ma-llow. It is a trisyllabic word.
marshmallow
/ˈmɑːʃ.mel.əʊ/ UK /ˈmɑːrʃ.mel.oʊ/ US
Stress
The main stress falls on the first syllable, marsh.
Syllable Structure
CVC/CVC/V
Division By Sound
/mɑːʃ.mel.əʊ/
Division By Letters
marsh-ma-llow
A spelling guide that follows the sound division.
Tree Diagram Of Marshmallow
S syllable, O onset, R rime, P peak, C coda, Ø no coda.
Parts Of Each Syllable
| Syllable | Onset | Peak | Coda | Pattern | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 primary stress | m | ɑː | ʃ | CVC | closed |
| 2 | m | e | l | CVC | closed |
| 3 | – | əʊ | – | V | open |
Why Marshmallow Divides Here
- Between syllables 1 and 2, /m/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
- Syllable 2 ends in /l/ because the next syllable cannot take it as an onset here.
Pronunciations
| Form | UK | US | Syllables |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main | /ˈmɑːʃ.mel.əʊ/ | /ˈmɑːrʃ.mel.oʊ/ | 3 |
| Also | /ˈmɑːʃ.mæl.əʊ/ | 3 |
Questions Students Ask
How many syllables are in marshmallow?
Marshmallow has 3 syllables, marsh-ma-llow. In British English it is transcribed /ˈmɑːʃ.mel.əʊ/.
Which syllable is stressed in marshmallow?
The first syllable, marsh, carries the main stress.
What is the syllable structure of marshmallow?
Marshmallow has the structure CVC/CVC/V, where C is a consonant sound and V is a vowel sound.
How do you divide marshmallow into syllables?
By sound, mɑːʃ.mel.əʊ. By letters, as a spelling guide, marsh-ma-llow.