What defines a syllable?

A syllable is best defined as a single, unbroken sound of a spoken word. It represents the basic unit of pronunciation in a word and typically contains a vowel sound, which may be accompanied by consonant sounds. This definition encompasses the essence of how syllables function in language and contributes to understanding word structure, pronunciation, and rhythm in speech.

The other options do not accurately represent the concept of a syllable. For example, while groups of words that rhyme do involve sounds, they pertain to a larger structure than a syllable and focus on end sounds rather than the smaller sound units that constitute syllables. A sentence with a subject and verb describes a grammatical structure rather than a phonetic unit, and poetic rhythm refers to patterns of sound in poetry, which also extend beyond the scope of individual syllables. Therefore, focusing on the idea of an unbroken sound that forms part of a word provides clarity on what a syllable is.