Alliteration

/əˌlɪtəˈreɪʃən/

Meaning & Definition

noun

The occurrence of the same letter or sound at the beginning of adjacent or closely connected words.

The phrase 'Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers' is a classic example of alliteration.

The repetition of initial consonant sounds in a series of words.

Alliteration is commonly used in poetry to create rhythm and musicality.

A literary device used to enhance the aesthetic quality of language.

In the line 'she sells sea shells by the sea shore,' alliteration emphasizes the 's' sound.

The use of the same consonant sounds in a sentence or phrase for effect.

The author employed alliteration in the title, 'Bouncing Baby Balloons,' to catch the reader's attention.

From Latin 'alliteratio', from 'ad-' (to) and 'litera' (letter).

Alliteration is key.

Emphasizes that using alliteration is important in writing.

Alliterative verse.

A form of poetry that uses alliteration as its principal structuring device.

Tongue twister.

A phrase that is difficult to articulate clearly, often using alliteration.

assonance

The repetition of vowel sounds within words close to each other.

cacophony

A harsh, discordant mixture of sounds, often the opposite of the smoothness created by alliteration.

A catchy phrase or title that repeats consonant sounds.

That brand name has great alliteration; it really sticks!

Using alliteration in a conversation to be playful.

We were just alliterating our words for fun!