strophe

noun

stro·​phe ˈstrō-(ˌ)fē How to pronounce strophe (audio)
1
a
: a rhythmic system composed of two or more lines repeated as a unit
especially : such a unit recurring in a series of strophic units
2
a
: the movement of the classical Greek chorus while turning from one side to the other of the orchestra
b
: the part of a Greek choral ode sung during the strophe of the dance

Examples of strophe in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Each strophe creates a distinctive sound world on the fly — now fiercely dissonant, now languid and sweet-toned — and the piece moves from one to the next with quicksilver elusiveness. Joshua Kosman, San Francisco Chronicle, 17 Jan. 2018

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'strophe.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Greek strophē, literally, act of turning, from strephein to turn, twist

First Known Use

1603, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of strophe was in 1603

Dictionary Entries Near strophe

Cite this Entry

“Strophe.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/strophe. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

strophe

noun
stro·​phe ˈstrō-fē How to pronounce strophe (audio)
: a division of a poem : stanza
strophic
ˈstrō-fik
ˈsträf-ik
adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on strophe

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