Glossary of Linguistic Terms

Onset

Definition: 

An onset is the part of the syllable that precedes the vowel of the syllable.

Examples: 

Here are some examples of syllables divided into onsets and rimes

Word

Onset

Rime

I

 

I

it

 

it

sit

s

it

spit

sp

it

split

spl

it

spoil

sp

oil

pie

p

ie

See Also: 

Glossary Hierarchy