maidsinwaiting
Syllables
maids-in-wait-ing
Pronunciation
/meɪdz ɪn ˈweɪtɪŋ/
Stress
0 0 1 0
Morphemes
maid, wait + -s, -ing
The word 'maids-in-waiting' is divided into four syllables: maids-in-wait-ing. The primary stress falls on 'wait'. It's a compound noun with roots in Old English and Old French, and its syllabification follows standard vowel and consonant cluster rules, accounting for the hyphenated structure.
Definitions
- 1
Female attendants or companions to a queen, princess, or other high-ranking woman.
“The queen was attended by her maids-in-waiting.”
Stress pattern
Primary stress falls on the third syllable, 'wait'.
Syllables
maids — Closed syllable, stressed.. in — Open syllable, unstressed.. wait — Open syllable, stressed.. ing — Closed syllable, unstressed.
Word Parts
Similar Words
Vowel Rule
Syllables are built around vowel sounds.
Consonant Cluster Rule
Consonant clusters are split according to sonority.
Compound Word Rule
Hyphenated compounds are divided at the hyphen.
- The hyphenated structure requires careful consideration to avoid incorrect syllabification.
Nearby Words
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