Poetry Glossary - Understand Poetry Terms

Term	Definition	Example
Querencia	A term from bullfighting, referring to the spot in the arena where the bull feels most secure and in control; in poetry, it can symbolize a place of refuge or strength.	The poet’s querencia was found in nature, where the verses breathed life into the serene landscape.
Quibble	A play on words, often involving a pun or a subtle twist in meaning, used in poetry and rhetoric to create humor or a double entendre.	The poet’s quibble in the final line left readers smiling at the clever twist of meaning.
Quid Pro Quo	A Latin phrase meaning "something for something," used to describe an exchange or a mutual agreement, sometimes explored in poetry as a theme of reciprocity or balance.	The poet’s reflection on love as a quid pro quo challenged the notion of unconditional affection.
Quiddity	The inherent nature or essence of someone or something, often used in philosophical or poetic discussions to explore the unique qualities that define a subject.	The poet’s exploration of quiddity sought to capture the essence of love in its purest form.
Quietism	A form of religious mysticism that emphasizes inner stillness and the experience of divine presence, sometimes reflected in poetry that focuses on meditative, tranquil themes.	The poet’s quietism was evident in verses that invited the reader to contemplate the divine in silence and solitude.
Quintain	A five-line stanza or poem with various possible rhyme schemes and metrical patterns, often used in both medieval and modern poetry.	The poet’s quintain reflected on the passage of time, each line contributing to the somber tone of the verse.
Quirk	A peculiar or unexpected feature, trait, or idiosyncrasy, often highlighted in poetry to draw attention to the unusual or the eccentric.	The poet’s quirk in using unconventional rhyme schemes gave the poem a distinctive, offbeat rhythm.
Quixotic	Idealistic, unrealistic, and impractical, often in the pursuit of lofty goals or ideals, a term derived from the character Don Quixote and used in poetry to describe romantic or impractical notions.	The poet’s quixotic vision of a utopian world was both inspiring and tragically unattainable.
Refrain	A 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.
Refrain	A 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."

Term

Definition

Example

A term from bullfighting, referring to the spot in the arena where the bull feels most secure and in control; in poetry, it can symbolize a place of refuge or strength.

The poet’s querencia was found in nature, where the verses breathed life into the serene landscape.

Quibble

A play on words, often involving a pun or a subtle twist in meaning, used in poetry and rhetoric to create humor or a double entendre.

The poet’s quibble in the final line left readers smiling at the clever twist of meaning.

Quid Pro Quo

A Latin phrase meaning "something for something," used to describe an exchange or a mutual agreement, sometimes explored in poetry as a theme of reciprocity or balance.

The poet’s reflection on love as a quid pro quo challenged the notion of unconditional affection.

Quiddity

The inherent nature or essence of someone or something, often used in philosophical or poetic discussions to explore the unique qualities that define a subject.

The poet’s exploration of quiddity sought to capture the essence of love in its purest form.

Quietism

A form of religious mysticism that emphasizes inner stillness and the experience of divine presence, sometimes reflected in poetry that focuses on meditative, tranquil themes.

The poet’s quietism was evident in verses that invited the reader to contemplate the divine in silence and solitude.

Quintain

A five-line stanza or poem with various possible rhyme schemes and metrical patterns, often used in both medieval and modern poetry.

The poet’s quintain reflected on the passage of time, each line contributing to the somber tone of the verse.

Quirk

A peculiar or unexpected feature, trait, or idiosyncrasy, often highlighted in poetry to draw attention to the unusual or the eccentric.

The poet’s quirk in using unconventional rhyme schemes gave the poem a distinctive, offbeat rhythm.

Quixotic

Idealistic, unrealistic, and impractical, often in the pursuit of lofty goals or ideals, a term derived from the character Don Quixote and used in poetry to describe romantic or impractical notions.

The poet’s quixotic vision of a utopian world was both inspiring and tragically unattainable.

Refrain

A 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.

Refrain

A 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."

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

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"