sentence stress

noun

: the manner in which stresses are distributed on the syllables of words assembled into sentences

called also sentence accent

Examples of sentence stress in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Note that the preceding sentence stresses the leadership role of Moses and Aaron (Leviticus 9:23; Eruvin 63a). Rabbi Avi Weiss, Sun Sentinel, 24 Apr. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'sentence stress.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1884, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sentence stress was in 1884

Dictionary Entries Near sentence stress

Cite this Entry

“Sentence stress.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sentence%20stress. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!