Alliteration is a literary device where the initial consonant sounds of words are repeated in close succession. This technique is often used in poetry, prose, and speeches to create rhythm, enhance mood, and make phrases memorable. For example, in the phrase "Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers," the repeated 'p' sound exemplifies alliteration.
The word "alliteration" comes from the Latin word "alliteratio," which is formed from "ad-" meaning "to" and "litera," meaning "letter." The term has been used in English since the early 16th century.