simple definition of syllable
A syllable is a unit of pronunciation uttered without interruption, loosely, a single sound. All words are made from at least one syllable. Monosyllables are words that have have only one vowel sound; polysyllables have more than one. If a syllable ends with a consonant, it is called a closed syllable. If a syllable ends with a vowel, it is called an open syllable. Patterns of syllables can be shown with C and V (C for 'consonant', V for 'vowel'). Closed syllables are often shown as CVC (such as got), and open syllables as CV (such as go).