Explore our comprehensive glossary of poetry terms. Whether you're a student, teacher, or poetry enthusiast, our glossary will help you understand key concepts, definitions, and examples that are essential in the study of poetry.
Use the search function to quickly find specific terms, or browse through the entire glossary to enhance your understanding of poetic devices and literary terms.
| Term | Definition | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Zany | Comically wild or absurd; often used in poetry to describe characters or situations that are exaggeratedly humorous or foolish. | The zany antics of the clown brought joy to the children, his laughter echoing through the circus tent. |
| Zeal | Great energy or enthusiasm in pursuit of a cause or objective, frequently used in poetry to describe fervent passion. | Her zeal for justice was evident in every word of her stirring speech. |
| Zenith | The highest point or peak, often used metaphorically in poetry to describe the climax or the most successful point in a narrative or life. | At the zenith of his glory, the king looked out over his prosperous realm. |
| Zephyr | A gentle, mild breeze, often used in poetry to evoke a sense of peace or the arrival of spring. | The zephyr whispered through the trees, carrying the scent of blooming flowers. |
| Zest | Great enthusiasm and energy, often used in poetry to convey a lively, spirited attitude towards life. | The old man spoke with zest, his stories full of life and adventure. |
| Zeugma | A figure of speech in which a word applies to multiple parts of the sentence. | She broke his car and his heart. |
| Ziggurat | A tiered, pyramid-shaped structure that was part of the ancient Mesopotamian temple complexes, sometimes used in poetry to symbolize human ambition or connection with the divine. | The poet compared the towering skyscrapers to ziggurats, reaching towards the heavens. |
| Zion | A biblical term referring to the Promised Land, often used in poetry to symbolize a place of peace, sanctuary, or spiritual fulfillment. | The poet’s journey led him to his own Zion, a place of solace and reflection. |
| Zither | A stringed musical instrument, often used in poetry to evoke a sense of harmony, nostalgia, or the delicate nature of sound. | The zither’s gentle notes floated through the evening air, a lullaby for the weary traveler. |
| Zodiac | An imaginary belt of the heavens, divided into twelve signs, used in astrology and often referenced in poetry to symbolize fate, destiny, or time. | The poet pondered his place under the zodiac, wondering what the stars had in store for him. |