prosody

noun

pros·​o·​dy ˈprä-sə-dē How to pronounce prosody (audio) -zə- How to pronounce prosody (audio)
plural prosodies
1
: the study of versification
especially : the systematic study of metrical structure
2
: a particular system, theory, or style of versification
3
: the rhythmic and intonational aspect of language
prosodist
ˈprä-sə-dist How to pronounce prosody (audio)
-zə-
noun

Examples of prosody in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Scientists had long thought that deciphering those qualities — collectively known as prosody — happened in the superior temporal gyrus, an area of the brain associated with speech perception. — Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 3 Mar. 2025 Believably inhabiting a new accent largely boils down to embracing a new communication style, and this takes work: breaking it down in terms of vocal posture, placement, and prosody and practicing sound lists over and over. — Jasmine Vojdani, Vulture, 20 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin prosodia accent of a syllable, from Greek prosōidia song sung to instrumental music, accent, from pros in addition to + ōidē song — more at pros-, ode

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of prosody was in the 15th century

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“Prosody.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prosody. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

prosody

noun
pros·​o·​dy ˈpräs-əd-ē How to pronounce prosody (audio)
plural prosodies
: the study of the structure of poetry

More from Merriam-Webster on prosody

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about prosody

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