Syllabic groups are groups of sounds that form a single syllable in speech. Some common synonyms for syllabic groups include syllables, phonemes, sound segments, and speech units. These terms all refer to the same basic concept: the building blocks of spoken words. Syllables are perhaps the most commonly used synonym for syllabic groups, and are especially useful for describing the rhythm and flow of speech. Phonemes refer more specifically to individual sounds within the syllable, while sound segments and speech units are broader terms that encompass all of the sounds produced in a given utterance. Regardless of the synonym used, a strong understanding of syllabic groups is essential for informed study of phonetics and language.