Poetry Structure and Elements

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Stanza

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A grouped set of lines within a poem, often sharing a common rhyme scheme or meter.

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Line

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A single row of words in a poem, which may or may not form a complete sentence.

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Haiku

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A traditional form of Japanese poetry consisting of three lines with a syllable pattern of 5-7-5.

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Free Verse

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A type of poetry that does not follow a specific rhyme scheme or meter.

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Sonnet

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A 14-line poem with a specific rhyme scheme and meter, often iambic pentameter.

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Rhyme

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The repetition of similar sounding words occurring at the end of lines in poems or songs.

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Rhyme Scheme

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The ordered pattern of rhymes at the ends of lines of a poem or verse.

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Meter

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The rhythmic structure of a line of poetry, determined by the number and type of beats.

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Couplet

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Two consecutive lines of poetry that typically rhyme and have the same meter.

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Quatrain

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A stanza of four lines, often with alternating rhymes.