How Many Syllables In Octopus?
3syllables
Octopus has 3 syllables, oc-to-pus. It is a trisyllabic word.
octopus
/ˈɒk.tə.pʊs/ UK /ˈɑːk.tə.pʊs/ US
Stress
The main stress falls on the first syllable, oc.
Syllable Structure
VC/CV/CVC
Division By Sound
/ɒk.tə.pʊs/
Division By Letters
oc-to-pus
A spelling guide that follows the sound division.
Tree Diagram Of Octopus
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 | – | ɒ | k | VC | closed |
| 2 | t | ə | – | CV | open |
| 3 | p | ʊ | s | CVC | closed |
Why Octopus Divides Here
- Syllable 1 is stressed and has the short vowel /ɒ/, so it keeps a coda /k/.
- Between syllables 2 and 3, /p/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
Questions Students Ask
How many syllables are in octopus?
Octopus has 3 syllables, oc-to-pus. In British English it is transcribed /ˈɒk.tə.pʊs/.
Which syllable is stressed in octopus?
The first syllable, oc, carries the main stress.
What is the syllable structure of octopus?
Octopus has the structure VC/CV/CVC, where C is a consonant sound and V is a vowel sound.
How do you divide octopus into syllables?
By sound, ɒk.tə.pʊs. By letters, as a spelling guide, oc-to-pus.