word stress

noun

: the manner in which stresses are distributed on the syllables of a word

called also word accent

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web One interstitial word stresses the possibility of transformation rather than stasis: liminal. Melissa Mohr, The Christian Science Monitor, 11 June 2020 Nevertheless, Aldridge offered words stressing peace and the love of family on that December day. K.c. Johnson, chicagotribune.com, 29 Mar. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'word stress.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

First Known Use

1874, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of word stress was in 1874

Dictionary Entries Near word stress

Cite this Entry

“Word stress.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/word%20stress. Accessed 25 Mar. 2023.

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