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How many syllables in “cardinal”?

3

syllables in "cardinal"

cardinal
database

Word details

Syllables

3

car · di · nal

Letters

8

c · a · r · d · i · n · a · l

Scrabble

11

points

Scrabble letter values

c3
a1
r1
d2
i1
n1
a1
l1

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About the word “cardinal

The word cardinal contains 3 syllables, divided as car · di · nal. It has 8 letters.

FAQ

How many syllables does "cardinal" have?

"cardinal" has 3 syllables.

How do you divide "cardinal" into syllables?

"cardinal" is divided into syllables as: car · di · nal.

What is the Scrabble score for "cardinal"?

The Scrabble score for "cardinal" is 11 points.

Using “cardinal” in writing

Three-syllable words like "cardinal" (car · di · nal) 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, cardinal is worth 11 base points before any board multipliers. A solid mid-range score. Landing a high-value letter on a double letter square will push your total higher.

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