noun

1. a word or part of a word pronounced with a single, uninterrupted sounding of the voice; unit of pronunciation, consisting of a single sound of great sonority (usually a vowel) and generally one or more sounds of lesser sonority (usually consonants)
2. any of the parts into which a written word is often divided, as at the end of a line, in approximate conformity to the spoken syllables: in this dictionary, recommended divisions at the end of a line are shown by centered dots
3. the least bit of expression; slightest detail, as of something said

Etymology: ME sillable < OFr sillabe < L syllaba < Gr syllabē, a syllable, lit., that which holds together < syllambanein, to join < syn-, together + lambanein, to hold < IE base *(s)lagw-, to grasp > latch

transitive verb syllabled -·bled, syllabling -·bling