How many syllables in “ayatollah”?
syllables in "ayatollah"
Word details
Syllables
3
aya · tol · lah
Letters
9
a · y · a · t · o · l · l · a · h
Scrabble
15
points
Scrabble letter values
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About the word “ayatollah”
The word “ayatollah” contains 3 syllables, divided as aya · tol · lah. It has 9 letters.
FAQ
How many syllables does "ayatollah" have?
"ayatollah" has 3 syllables.
How do you divide "ayatollah" into syllables?
"ayatollah" is divided into syllables as: aya · tol · lah.
What is the Scrabble score for "ayatollah"?
The Scrabble score for "ayatollah" is 15 points.
Using “ayatollah” in writing
Three-syllable words like "ayatollah" (aya · tol · lah) create a rolling, flowing rhythm in verse. Depending on where the stress lands, they can form dactylic (DUM-da-da) or anapestic (da-da-DUM) feet — common in limericks, ballads, and song lyrics. In haiku, a single three-syllable word covers more than half of a short line.
In word games
In Scrabble and Words With Friends, “ayatollah” is worth 15 base points before any board multipliers. That's a high-scoring word — prioritize double or triple word score squares to maximize your turn.