Meaning & Definition of word "Alliteration"

Alliteration

/əˌlɪtəˈreɪʃən/

noun:

  • 1. The occurrence of the same letter or sound at the beginning of adjacent or closely connected words.
    • Example: The phrase 'Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers' is a classic example of alliteration.
  • 2. The repetition of initial consonant sounds in a series of words.
    • Example: Alliteration is commonly used in poetry to create rhythm and musicality.
  • 3. A literary device used to enhance the aesthetic quality of language.
    • Example: In the line 'she sells sea shells by the sea shore,' alliteration emphasizes the 's' sound.
  • 4. The use of the same consonant sounds in a sentence or phrase for effect.
    • Example: The author employed alliteration in the title, 'Bouncing Baby Balloons,' to catch the reader's attention.

Etymology

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

Common Phrases and Expressions

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.

Related Words

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.

Slang Meanings of alliteration

Meaning: A catchy phrase or title that repeats consonant sounds.

Example Sentence: That brand name has great alliteration; it really sticks!

Meaning: Using alliteration in a conversation to be playful.

Example Sentence: We were just alliterating our words for fun!