80+ Closed Syllable Words and Printable List

Today, we’re going to embark on an journey into the world of closed syllables. Understanding closed syllables is key to unlocking the patterns and rhythms of English spelling and pronunciation.

We look at what makes a syllable ‘closed’ and explore a variety of words to give you plenty of examples of closed syllables.

We have teaching and classroom tips on how to teach this and of course the lists of closed syllable words to download as well.

You can see the lists of closed syllable words in the article and download a list of closed syllable words at the bottom of the article.

We have included, one, two, three, four closed syllable words and word with more than one closed syllable examples in the printable list.

Understanding Closed Syllables

Its important to understand what closed syllables are.

A closed syllable is one where a consonant follows a vowel, resulting in a shorter vowel sound. It’s like the consonant is closing the door on the vowel, not letting it say its name.

Recognizing closed syllables helps in accurately decoding and spelling a vast array of words, from simple ones like ‘cat’ to more complex terms like ‘basketball’.

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Closed Syllables in Words

Closed syllables are everywhere in English! They appear in many one-syllable words like ‘dog’ or ‘fish’, but they also show up in multi-syllable words.

For example, in ‘rabbit’, both ‘rab-‘ and ‘-bit’ are closed syllables. Spotting these syllables in longer words can be a bit like solving a puzzle.

Breaking down words into their syllable parts not only makes them easier to pronounce but also helps with spelling.

Let’s explore more examples in the upcoming sections.

The Role of Closed Syllables in English Language

Closed syllables play a significant role in the English language. They often create the backbone of words, providing structure and clarity. Understanding closed syllables is particularly useful for young learners as they navigate the rules of phonics and spelling.

This knowledge is also invaluable for non-native English speakers grappling with English pronunciation.

Examples of Closed Syllables in Everyday Words

Let’s look at some everyday words that contain closed syllables. We’ll categorize them based on the number of syllables, ranging from simple one-syllable words to more complex multisyllabic ones.

Table 1: List of Closed Syllable Words

1 Syllable	2 Syllables	3 Syllables	4 Syllables	Multiple Closed Syllables
cat	rabbit	elephant	understanding	hamburger
dog	sunset	difficult	refrigerator	basketball
fish	pillow	happiness	encyclopedia	footprint
rock	basket	orchestra	insignificant	handkerchief
clock	insect	territory	unfortunately	masterpiece
bread	handle	kangaroo	multiplication	thunderstorm
milk	window	enterprise	hospitality	marketplace
ship	carpet	literature	investigation	blacksmith
frog	thunder	helicopter	responsibility	headmaster
plant	lantern	investigator	misunderstanding	waterfall
grass	pumpkin	opportunity	communication	candlestick
cliff	blanket	imagination	transportation	butterfly
brush	chapter	environment	civilization	handstand
stamp	compass	information	superintendent	skyscraper
trend	button	celebration	consideration	bookshelf

We also have this table of closed syllable words in a printable download below as well.

The Difference Between Open and Closed Syllables

Open and closed syllables are key concepts in understanding how words are formed and pronounced.

• An open syllable ends with a vowel, and this vowel typically makes a long sound, like ‘pa-‘ in ‘paper’.
• In contrast, a closed syllable ends with a consonant, resulting in a shorter vowel sound, as in ‘cap’.

Understanding this difference is crucial for students as they learn to decode and spell words.

For example, ‘hop’ (closed) versus ‘hope’ (open) shows how a word’s meaning and pronunciation can change based on the syllable type.

You can download the PDF List of Closed Syllable Words below, and find some teaching tips for open syllables with and without this list.

Four Ways to Use the Closed Syllable List in Class

1. Syllable Identification Relay: Divide the class into teams and have a relay race where each student identifies whether a word from the list is a closed syllable. This interactive activity encourages quick thinking and teamwork.
2. Closed Syllable Word Wall: Create a word wall in the classroom with words from the list. Students can add new words they find in their reading that fit the closed syllable pattern.
3. Crossword Puzzle Creation: Challenge students to create crossword puzzles using words from the list. This not only reinforces their understanding of closed syllables but also develops their puzzle-solving skills.
4. Daily Word Exploration: Start each day by exploring a new word from the list. Discuss its syllables, meaning, and usage in sentences. This daily practice embeds the concept of closed syllables in students’ language skills.

Teaching Tips for Closed Syllables

Engaging students in learning about closed syllables can be both fun and educational. Here are some effective strategies:

1. Syllable Sorting Activities: Create a game where students sort a mix of words into open and closed syllables. This activity reinforces the concept and helps in distinguishing between the two types.
2. Build-a-Word Challenge: Use letter blocks or cards to build words, focusing on creating and recognizing closed syllables.
3. Creative Writing with Closed Syllables: Challenge students to write short stories or poems using a set number of words with closed syllables. This activity encourages creative use of language while reinforcing syllable concepts.
4. Closed Syllable Word Hunts: Encourage students to find words with closed syllables in their reading books or around the classroom, fostering practical application of their knowledge.

We also have more syllable articles, worksheets, games and more here on the site.

• How to teach syllables to children
• Set of 4 syllable worksheets
• Best online syllable games
• Mixed ability syllable worksheets
• Open Syllable word lists

Conclusion

For teachers, guiding your students through these concepts with engaging activities is more than just a language lesson; it’s laying the groundwork for strong reading and writing skills.

And for the students, mastering closed syllables is a significant step in your journey through the world of language.

FAQs on Closed Syllables

1. What is a closed syllable? A closed syllable is a syllable that ends with a consonant, which typically makes the vowel sound short, as in ‘cat’ or ‘truck’.
2. Can a word have more than one closed syllable? Yes, words can have multiple closed syllables. For example, ‘basketball’ has three closed syllables: ‘bas-ket-ball’.
3. Are closed syllables common in English? Yes, closed syllables are very common and are found in a large number of English words.
4. Do closed syllables only appear in simple words? No, closed syllables appear in both simple and complex words, from ‘dog’ to ‘happiness’.
5. Can a syllable be both open and closed? No, a syllable is either open or closed, depending on whether it ends in a vowel (open) or a consonant (closed).
6. How does understanding closed syllables help in learning English? Recognizing closed syllables aids in proper pronunciation, spelling, and reading comprehension, especially for early learners and non-native speakers.
7. Can closed syllables contain more than one consonant at the end? Yes, closed syllables can end with one or more consonants, like ‘mask’ or ‘bench’.
8. Are there exceptions to the rules of closed syllables? While the rules of closed syllables generally hold, English being a diverse language, does have exceptions. It’s important for learners to be aware of this.

Further Reading

• https://informedliteracy.com/what-is-a-closed-syllable-and-why-is-it-important/
• https://blog.allaboutlearningpress.com/open-and-closed-syllables/
• https://ies.ed.gov/ncee/rel/regions/southeast/pdf/3.2_Act_10_Open_and_Closed_Syllable_Sort.pdf