Definition & Meaning of "closed syllable"

What is a "closed syllable"?

A closed syllable is a type of syllable that ends with a consonant sound. It typically consists of a vowel followed by one or more consonants, which creates a closure at the end of the syllable. For example, in the word "cat," the syllable "cat" is closed because it ends with the consonant "t." Closed syllables often have a short vowel sound, as in "bed" or "hop." Understanding closed syllables is important for phonics and reading, as they help with recognizing how words are formed and pronounced.