consonant (B1)

noun

Pronunciation: /ˈkɒnsənənt/

Definition

A speech sound made by obstructing the flow of air with the lips, tongue, or teeth, or a letter of the alphabet representing such a sound.

Examples

• The 'p' sound in 'pat' is a consonant.

• Vowels are 'a', 'e', 'i', 'o', 'u', and all other letters are consonants.

• The word 'strength' has six consonant letters in a row.

How to Use consonant

consonant sound (collocation)

A sound produced by obstructing airflow, as opposed to a vowel sound. — "The 'sh' in 'ship' is a consonant sound."

consonant letter (collocation)

A letter of the alphabet that represents a consonant sound. — "In the word 'cat', 'c' and 't' are consonant letters."

Synonyms of consonant

Words with a similar meaning to consonant:

• non-vowel
• mute letter

Antonyms of consonant

Words with the opposite meaning to consonant:

• vowel

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