Poetry Glossary - Understand Poetry Terms

Term	Definition	Example
Jamb	A metrical foot in a poem that includes two syllables: an unstressed syllable followed by a stressed syllable. It is the opposite of a trochee.	The use of jambs in the poem provided a natural, flowing rhythm.
Jargon	Specialized language used by a particular profession or group, often used in poetry to give a sense of authenticity or to create a particular mood.	The poet’s use of medical jargon added realism to the depiction of the hospital scene.
Jeremiad	A long literary work, usually prose, but sometimes in verse, in which the author laments the state of society and its morals in a serious tone.	Many of the speeches of Martin Luther King Jr. could be considered modern-day jeremiads.
Jest	A joking or mocking remark, often used in poetry to lighten the mood or add humor.	The poet’s jest at the beginning of the poem contrasted with the more serious tone that followed.
Jingle	A short verse or song marked by catchy repetition and bouncy rhythm, often used in advertising.	The poet’s jingle was memorable and effective, embedding itself in the reader’s mind.
Journey Motif	A common theme in poetry where the protagonist undergoes a journey, symbolizing growth, self-discovery, or transformation.	The poet used the journey motif to explore the character’s inner transformation.
Judgment	A theme in poetry that deals with the concept of justice, often exploring moral or ethical decisions.	The poet’s exploration of judgment revealed the complexities of right and wrong.
Juncture	The transition between different sounds, syllables, or words in speech, often used in poetry to create a specific rhythm or flow.	The poet’s careful use of juncture made the lines flow smoothly from one to the next.
Juxtaposition	The placement of two or more ideas, characters, actions, settings, phrases, or words side by side for the purpose of comparison, contrast, or rhetorical effect.	The juxtaposition of the serene nature scene with the chaos of battle heightened the poem’s emotional impact.

Term

Definition

Example

A metrical foot in a poem that includes two syllables: an unstressed syllable followed by a stressed syllable. It is the opposite of a trochee.

The use of jambs in the poem provided a natural, flowing rhythm.

Jargon

Specialized language used by a particular profession or group, often used in poetry to give a sense of authenticity or to create a particular mood.

The poet’s use of medical jargon added realism to the depiction of the hospital scene.

Jeremiad

A long literary work, usually prose, but sometimes in verse, in which the author laments the state of society and its morals in a serious tone.

Many of the speeches of Martin Luther King Jr. could be considered modern-day jeremiads.

Jest

A joking or mocking remark, often used in poetry to lighten the mood or add humor.

The poet’s jest at the beginning of the poem contrasted with the more serious tone that followed.

Jingle

A short verse or song marked by catchy repetition and bouncy rhythm, often used in advertising.

The poet’s jingle was memorable and effective, embedding itself in the reader’s mind.

Journey Motif

A common theme in poetry where the protagonist undergoes a journey, symbolizing growth, self-discovery, or transformation.

The poet used the journey motif to explore the character’s inner transformation.

Judgment

A theme in poetry that deals with the concept of justice, often exploring moral or ethical decisions.

The poet’s exploration of judgment revealed the complexities of right and wrong.

Juncture

The transition between different sounds, syllables, or words in speech, often used in poetry to create a specific rhythm or flow.

The poet’s careful use of juncture made the lines flow smoothly from one to the next.

Juxtaposition

The placement of two or more ideas, characters, actions, settings, phrases, or words side by side for the purpose of comparison, contrast, or rhetorical effect.

The juxtaposition of the serene nature scene with the chaos of battle heightened the poem’s emotional impact.

How to Use the Poetry Glossary

Finding terms is easy:

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Tip: Try searching for "rhyme," "meter," or "sonnet" to get started!

Every entry includes three key parts:

Clear Definition

Simple, jargon-free explanation

Real Examples

Lines from famous poems

Context Notes

When and how it's used

Example Entry:

Iambic Pentameter: A rhythm pattern of 10 syllables per line, alternating unstressed-stressed.

Example: "Shall I compare thee to a summer's day?" (Shakespeare)

Note: Most common meter in English sonnets.

Our examples help you see poetry terms in action:

What to Look For:

How the technique affects the poem's sound
Why the poet chose that particular device
How it contributes to meaning or mood

Study Tips:

Read examples aloud to hear the effect
Compare different poets' use of the same technique
Try writing your own examples

Pro Tip: Look for terms like "alliteration" or "metaphor" in your favorite poems to see these techniques in context!

Our glossary covers all major areas of poetry:

Sound & Rhythm

Rhyme schemes, meter, alliteration, assonance

Literary Devices

Metaphor, simile, personification, symbolism

Poem Forms

Sonnets, haikus, villanelles, free verse

Structure

Stanzas, lines, caesura, enjambment

Shakespearean Sonnet

Structure: 3 quatrains + 1 couplet

Rhyme: ABAB CDCD EFEF GG

Famous: "Shall I compare thee..."

Petrarchan Sonnet

Structure: 1 octave + 1 sestet

Rhyme: ABBAABBA CDECDE

Origin: Italian tradition

Quick Navigation:

• Click "S" in the alphabetical menu

• Search "sonnet" to see all types

• Look for related terms like "quatrain" and "couplet"