Poetry Glossary - Understand Poetry Terms

Term	Definition	Example
Waka-Tanka	A traditional form of Japanese collaborative poetry, where one poet writes a three-line stanza and another poet completes it with two lines.	In the Manyoshu, some poems are examples of waka-tanka, a collaborative form of waka poetry.
Waltz Rhythm	A rhythmic pattern in poetry that mimics the 3/4 time signature of a waltz, often used to create a lyrical, dance-like effect.	The poem "The Waltz" by Dorothy Parker is an example that mimics this rhythm.
Weak Ending	A line of poetry that ends with an unstressed syllable, creating a softer, less emphatic conclusion.	In blank verse, a weak ending might consist of an unstressed syllable following a normally stressed syllable.
Weaving	The technique of intertwining themes, images, or motifs throughout a poem to create a complex, layered meaning.	The poems of T.S. Eliot, such as "The Waste Land", are known for their intricate weaving of literary allusions and images.
Weltliteratur	A term coined by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, referring to "world literature" or the idea that national literature should become part of a global literary tradition.	Goethe’s discussions of Weltliteratur encouraged the exchange of literary ideas across cultures.
White Space	The area on a page around a poem that is left empty, which can affect the way a poem is perceived or interpreted.	Concrete poems often use white space creatively to form shapes or patterns.
Winged Words	A Homeric term for spoken words that are powerful, vivid, or inspiring, as if they have the ability to take flight.	In The Iliad, Homer often describes speeches as "winged words," conveying their impact.
Wit	The use of clever language to amuse or provoke thought, often characterized by quick and inventive verbal humor.	John Donne’s metaphysical poems are known for their wit and intellectual playfulness.
Word Picture	A descriptive or evocative piece of writing in poetry that creates a vivid image in the reader’s mind.	William Wordsworth’s nature poems often create word pictures of the English countryside.
Word Play	The clever and witty use of words to create humor, double meanings, or linguistic creativity in poetry.	Shakespeare’s sonnets are full of word play, using puns and double entendres to add layers of meaning.

Term

Definition

Example

A traditional form of Japanese collaborative poetry, where one poet writes a three-line stanza and another poet completes it with two lines.

In the Manyoshu, some poems are examples of waka-tanka, a collaborative form of waka poetry.

Waltz Rhythm

A rhythmic pattern in poetry that mimics the 3/4 time signature of a waltz, often used to create a lyrical, dance-like effect.

The poem "The Waltz" by Dorothy Parker is an example that mimics this rhythm.

Weak Ending

A line of poetry that ends with an unstressed syllable, creating a softer, less emphatic conclusion.

In blank verse, a weak ending might consist of an unstressed syllable following a normally stressed syllable.

Weaving

The technique of intertwining themes, images, or motifs throughout a poem to create a complex, layered meaning.

The poems of T.S. Eliot, such as "The Waste Land", are known for their intricate weaving of literary allusions and images.

Weltliteratur

A term coined by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, referring to "world literature" or the idea that national literature should become part of a global literary tradition.

Goethe’s discussions of Weltliteratur encouraged the exchange of literary ideas across cultures.

White Space

The area on a page around a poem that is left empty, which can affect the way a poem is perceived or interpreted.

Concrete poems often use white space creatively to form shapes or patterns.

Winged Words

A Homeric term for spoken words that are powerful, vivid, or inspiring, as if they have the ability to take flight.

In The Iliad, Homer often describes speeches as "winged words," conveying their impact.

Wit

The use of clever language to amuse or provoke thought, often characterized by quick and inventive verbal humor.

John Donne’s metaphysical poems are known for their wit and intellectual playfulness.

Word Picture

A descriptive or evocative piece of writing in poetry that creates a vivid image in the reader’s mind.

William Wordsworth’s nature poems often create word pictures of the English countryside.

Word Play

The clever and witty use of words to create humor, double meanings, or linguistic creativity in poetry.

Shakespeare’s sonnets are full of word play, using puns and double entendres to add layers of meaning.

How to Use the Poetry Glossary

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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:

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• Search "sonnet" to see all types

• Look for related terms like "quatrain" and "couplet"