rhyme scheme

noun

: the arrangement of rhymes in a stanza or a poem

Examples of rhyme scheme in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Variations in form and narrative However, many poets, bards, and troubadours experimented with form to create ballads featuring more than four lines in a stanza and different rhyme schemes or meters. — René Ostberg, Encyclopedia Britannica, 14 Oct. 2026 Well, Below features far less-complex rhyme schemes — some might say none at all. — Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 8 Oct. 2026 A touch of structure or a clean rhyme scheme would go a long way. — Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 28 July 2026 The most traditional poetic forms are repetitive, with strict rhyme schemes and meter, but newer interpretations are also built around repetition, relying on slant rhymes, refrains, alliteration, and more. — Literary Hub, 7 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rhyme scheme

Word History

First Known Use

1889, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of rhyme scheme was in 1889

Rhymes for rhyme scheme

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Browse Nearby Words

rhyme royal
rhyme scheme
rhymester
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Cite this Entry

“Rhyme scheme.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rhyme%20scheme. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

rhyme scheme

noun
: the arrangement of rhymes in a stanza or a poem

More from Merriam-Webster on rhyme scheme

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about rhyme scheme

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