polysyllabic

[ pol-ee-si-lab-ik ]

adjective

1. consisting of several, especially four or more, syllables, as a word.
2. characterized by such words, as a language, piece of writing, etc.

polysyllabic

/ ˌpɒlɪsɪˈlæbɪk /

adjective

1. consisting of more than two syllables

Derived Forms

• ˌpolysylˈlabically, adverb

Other Words From

• poly·syl·labi·cal·ly adverb
• hyper·poly·syl·labic adjective
• hyper·poly·syl·labi·cal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of polysyllabic¹

1650–60; < Medieval Latin polysyllab ( us ) of many syllables (< Greek polysýllabos ) + -ic. See poly-, syllabic

Example Sentences

“In written English, especially when it’s a name that ends in s and it’s a polysyllabic name, you could add the apostrophe s, if you are really a stickler for the rules,” she said.

From Washington Post

This included highly wrought confessional lyrics, long polysyllabic song titles, and the conjunction of hard, even thrash-derived sounds like a screamed chorus with much softer instrumental passages.

From Salon

On “The Mars Volta,” out Sept. 16, the group — long known for its cryptic, polysyllabic lyrics and extended, transmogrifying song structures — has moved in its own eccentric ways toward the openness and concision of pop.

From New York Times

The diminutive “Cali” is one of the most commonly used substitutions for the polysyllabic state name.

From Los Angeles Times

Her calm, crisp style contrasts with the erratic messaging and frequent policy shifts of Johnson, whose brand of posh, polysyllabic Englishness grates on many Scots.

From Washington Times