What is a syllable defined as in English?

A syllable in English is defined as a unit of sound that contains at least one vowel. This is fundamental to understanding the structure of words in English and many other languages. A syllable typically consists of a nucleus, which is usually a vowel, and may include one or more consonants either at the beginning (onset) or at the end (coda).

Understanding syllables is crucial for phonetics and phonology, as they are the building blocks of pronunciation and rhythm in language. While consonant clusters, individual vowel sounds, and long sound segments are components or concepts related to phonetics, they do not encompass the full definition of what constitutes a syllable. Thus, the correct answer accurately captures the essential characteristic of a syllable in English.