haplology

linguistics

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June 29, 2026

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Haplology is a linguistic phenomenon where a word is shortened by omitting one of two similar sounds or syllables. This often occurs because it is easier to pronounce the contracted form. For example, "pierced earrings" is a result of haplology from "pierced-ear earrings". The term "haplology" itself was coined by Maurice Bloomfield, combining "haplo-" (meaning "single") with "-logy" (meaning "expression"). This process is common in English and can lead to changes in written language, such as "England" being a contraction of "Engla land". Haplology is a type of sound change that can occur in language over time.12

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linguistics
Sound change
…special case of dissimilation is haplology, in which the second of the two identical or similar syllables is dropped. Examples include the standard modern British pronunciations of “Worcester” and “Gloucester” with two syllables rather than three and the common pronunciation of “library” as if it were written “libry.” Both assimilation…
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…special case of dissimilation is haplology, in which the second of the two identical or similar syllables is dropped. Examples include the standard modern British pronunciations of “Worcester” and “Gloucester” with two syllables rather than three and the common pronunciation of “library” as if it were written “libry.” Both assimilation…
Read More