S

How many syllables in “phosphorous”?

3

syllables in "phosphorous"

phosphorous
database

Word details

Syllables

3

phos · pho · rous

Letters

11

p · h · o · s · p · h · o · r · o · u · s

Scrabble

21

points

Scrabble letter values

p3
h4
o1
s1
p3
h4
o1
r1
o1
u1
s1

Count another word

About the word “phosphorous

The word phosphorous contains 3 syllables, divided as phos · pho · rous. It has 11 letters.

FAQ

How many syllables does "phosphorous" have?

"phosphorous" has 3 syllables.

How do you divide "phosphorous" into syllables?

"phosphorous" is divided into syllables as: phos · pho · rous.

What is the Scrabble score for "phosphorous"?

The Scrabble score for "phosphorous" is 21 points.

Using “phosphorous” in writing

Three-syllable words like "phosphorous" (phos · pho · rous) 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, phosphorous is worth 21 base points before any board multipliers. That's a high-scoring word — prioritize double or triple word score squares to maximize your turn.

Related articles