noun

alliteration

uh-lit-uh-RAY-shun

Alliteration (noun) means the repetition of the same initial consonant sound across nearby words, as in "wild and windy" or "Peter Piper picked". Example: “The headline used alliteration to make it stick.”

noun

The repetition of the same initial consonant sound across nearby words, as in "wild and windy" or "Peter Piper picked".

"The headline used alliteration to make it stick."

How to Use Alliteration

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishRepeating the same starting sound in nearby words.

Memory tip

It is about sound, not spelling.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

assonance consonance

Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.

Test yourself on “alliteration” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the Gap

Can you complete this real example?

The headline used _____ to make it stick.

Etymology

From Latin "ad-" (to) plus "littera" (letter) — letters set alongside one another.

Origin: Latin

Rhymes for alliteration

region billion ablation allusion emulsion ideation novation abortion abrasion diffusion elocution extension

See all rhymes for alliteration →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is alliteration?

Repeating the same opening consonant sound in words that sit close together — "sweet smell of success." It is used to make phrases memorable, which is why headlines and brand names lean on it.

What is the difference between alliteration and assonance?

Alliteration repeats consonant sounds at the start of words. Assonance repeats vowel sounds inside them, as in "the rain in Spain".

Is alliteration about letters or sounds?

Sounds. "Kind cat" alliterates despite the different letters, while "chip" and "cat" do not, because the sounds differ.