alliterate

verb

al·​lit·​er·​ate ə-ˈli-tə-ˌrāt How to pronounce alliterate (audio)
alliterated; alliterating

intransitive verb

1
: to form an alliteration
2
: to write or speak alliteratively

transitive verb

: to arrange or place so as to make alliteration
alliterate syllables in a sentence

Word History

Etymology

back-formation from alliteration

First Known Use

1739, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of alliterate was in 1739

Dictionary Entries Near alliterate

alliteral

alliterate

alliteration

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Alliterate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alliterate. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.

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