Poetry Glossary

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

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Term Definition Example
ZitherA 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.
ZodiacAn 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.
ZoomorphismThe attribution of animal characteristics or qualities to a god, object, or person, commonly used in poetry to create vivid imagery or convey deeper meanings.The warrior was described with zoomorphism, his strength likened to that of a lion.

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.