Poetry Glossary

"Discover the language of poetry, from alliteration to zeugma."

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Term Definition Example
RefrainA refrain is a line or group of lines repeated at intervals throughout a song or poem, often appearing at the end of each verse. This poetic device creates a sense of rhythm and emphasis, as key words are repeated to reinforce themes or emotions. The repetition helps to unify the structure and can evoke a stronger emotional response from the reader or listener.The refrain of the poem emphasized its central theme.
RefrainA repeated line or group of lines in a poem or song, typically at the end of each verse."The woods are lovely, dark and deep, But I have promises to keep."
Rhetorical QuestionA question asked in order to create a dramatic effect or to make a point rather than to get an answer."Isn't it a bit late to be doing that now?"
RhymeCorrespondence of sound between words or the endings of words, especially when these are used at the ends of lines of poetry.Twinkle, twinkle, little star, / How I wonder what you are.
RondeauA lyrical poem of French origin, typically 13 lines long with two rhymes and a refrain.The rondeau was a popular form in medieval French poetry.

Our comprehensive Poetry Glossary, designed for students, teachers, and poetry enthusiasts alike. Whether you're delving into poetic forms, exploring rhyme schemes, or understanding the nuances of metrical feet, our glossary is an essential resource to enhance your study of poetry.

Our glossary covers a wide range of poetry terms, from alliteration, the repetition of initial consonant sounds, to the structure of free verse, which flows without a fixed metrical pattern. Learn about how stressed and unstressed syllables form the foundation of metrical feet, or explore how a rhyme scheme organizes the pattern of sounds at the end of lines in a poem.

Use the search function to quickly find terms like group of lines in a stanza or the repetition of sounds in a poem or section. Whether you're looking to understand how a series of words creates rhythmic patterns or how the number of syllables affects the flow of a line of poetry, our glossary has the definitions and examples you need.

How to Use the Poetry Glossary

To find a term, use the search bar at the top of the glossary page. Start typing the word or phrase you’re looking for, and relevant entries will appear. Each entry includes a definition, examples, and additional notes for context.

Each entry in the glossary includes a clear definition of the term, followed by an example or explanation. For instance, the term "iambic pentameter" is defined as a metrical line of ten syllables, alternating between unstressed and stressed syllables. This pattern is common in English poetry, particularly in sonnets by poets like Shakespeare.

For terms that might be unfamiliar, example sentences or famous lines of poetry are included to illustrate usage. For example, a “narrative poem” might include an excerpt from a classic work, showing how it tells a story through verse, unlike shorter lyrical poems.

The glossary includes various types of poetic terms, such as rhyme schemes like "abab cdcd efef gg" or "abba abba", and poetic forms like the Shakespearean (or English) sonnet and the Petrarchan (or Italian) sonnet. Each entry provides an accessible definition to help deepen your understanding of poetry.

Type "sonnet" into the search bar to find entries on both Shakespearean (or English) and Petrarchan (or Italian) sonnets. The glossary provides details on their rhyme schemes, structures, and famous examples, helping you distinguish between different types of sonnets.