Poetry Glossary

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

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Found 2 terms starting with "V"

Term Definition Example
VerseA single line of poetry or a specific section of a poem.The poem opens with a beautiful verse.
VillanelleA nineteen-line poetic form consisting of five tercets followed by a quatrain.Do not go gentle into that good night by Dylan Thomas is a famous villanelle.

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

Finding terms is easy:

  • • Click any letter (A-Z) to browse terms alphabetically
  • • Use the search box to find specific words or phrases
  • • Search works across term names, definitions, and examples
  • • Each term links to a detailed page with examples

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

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

Popular Searches:
Iambic Pentameter ABAB Rhyme Scheme Shakespearean Sonnet Free Verse Metaphor

Sonnets are one of poetry's most beloved forms. Here's how to explore them:

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"