alliterate

American  

[uh-lit-uh-reyt] / əˈlɪt əˌreɪt /

verb (used without object)

alliterated, alliterating

1. to show alliteration.

   In “Round and round the rugged rock the ragged rascal ran,” the “r” alliterates.

2. to use alliteration.

   Swinburne often alliterates.

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verb (used with object)

alliterated, alliterating

1. to compose or arrange with alliteration.

   He alliterates the “w's” in that line.

alliterate British  

/ əˈlɪtəˌreɪt /

verb

1. to contain or cause to contain alliteration

2. (intr) to speak or write using alliteration

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Other Word Forms

• alliterator noun
• nonalliterated adjective
• unalliterated adjective

Etymology

Origin of alliterate

First recorded in 1810–20; back formation from alliteration

Example Sentences

“And he really did alliterate like that when you talked to him.”

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 12, 2018

And he really did alliterate like that when you talked to him.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 12, 2018

It helps that the words "latte" and "liberalism" alliterate.

From BBC • Oct. 5, 2014

The real problem with the Washington Bullets name was that it didn't alliterate, and the reason it didn't alliterate was that Abe Pollin stole the Baltimore Bullets.

From Slate • Jan. 12, 2010

They may be explained as follows:—Hustrin, hustling, or riotously inclined, being so consonanted to make it alliterate with custrin, spelt by Jamieson, custroun, and signifying a pitiful fellow.

From Notes and Queries, Number 69, February 22, 1851 A Medium of Inter-communication for Literary Men, Artists, Antiquaries, Genealogists, etc. by Bell, George