pelican

Syllables:
pe·li·can
3 syllables
pelican in syllables

About "pelican"

Syllables
3
Letters
7
Language
EN

How to Split "pelican" into Syllables

The word pelican is divided into 3 syllables: pe·li·can. Understanding this syllable division is essential for correct pronunciation and spelling.

📝 Syllable Breakdown

  • pe — 1st syllable
  • li — 2nd syllable
  • can — 3rd syllable

🔊 Pronunciation Guide

The phonetic transcription of pelican:

  • IPA: /ˈpɛl.ɪ.kən/

Listen to Pronunciation

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📖 Definitions

  1. Any of various seabirds of the family Pelecanidae, having a long bill with a distendable pouch.
  2. A native or resident of the American state of Louisiana.

📚 Word Origin & History

From Middle English pellican, pellicane, from Old English pellican (“pelican”), from Latin pelecānus, from Ancient Greek πελεκάν (pelekán), πέλεκυς (pélekus, “hatchet”). From Latin pelicānus. Borrowed from French pélican, from Latin pelicānus. Compare Aromanian pilican. Borrowed from English pelican.

✓ Why Learn Syllable Division?

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

Word Syllables Division
pelican 3 pe·li·can
polygamy 4 po-ly-ga-my
phlegm 1 phlegm
publican 3 pu-bli-can
placemen 3 pla-ce-men

🔗 Related Words

Explore syllable divisions of words related to pelican:

Pele, pelf, pelt, Pelee, pellet, pelmet, pelvic, pelvis.

Frequently Asked Questions About "pelican"

How many syllables does "pelican" have?

pelican has 3 syllables: pe·li·can. The word is divided into 3 distinct sound units that make up the complete pronunciation.

Where is the stress in "pelican"?

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

How do you pronounce "pelican"?

pelican is pronounced as /ˈpɛl.ɪ.kən/ (IPA notation). The syllables are divided as: pe·li·can.

Is "pelican" easy to spell?

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

Why learn to divide "pelican" 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.