noun

alliteration

uh-lit-uh-RAY-shun/əˌlɪtəˈreɪʃn/

Repetition of initial consonant sounds in nearby words.

The phrase silver snakes slither uses alliteration to repeat the initial sound.

Three natural small silver snakes slithering across sand, with exact brief text 'silver snakes slither' below; same initial S sound emphasized by subtle red initial letters.

Etymology

alLatinto, toward

+literLatinletter

+ationLatinaction or process

The 'letter' root underlies a verb meaning 'to begin with the same letter.' The action noun names those repeated beginnings, understood here as matching initial consonant sounds rather than merely matching written letters.

In context

Paul Mellon Centre for Studies in British Art12:13

there's a piper on a black pepper vine and I think he chose these two for the alliteration between the two names

British Art and Natural Forces: Decolonial Agencies

More examples

“Bright blue boat” is a simple example of alliteration.
Too much alliteration can make a headline feel forced.
The students identify alliteration in the opening lines.

Forms

alliterative adjective — Using repeated initial consonant sounds.

Similar words

assonance: Repeats vowel sounds rather than initial consonant sounds.
rhyme: Usually repeats sounds at word endings rather than beginnings.