verse

1 of 2

noun

ˈvərs 

1

: a line of metrical writing

2

a(1)

: metrical language

(2)

: metrical writing distinguished from poetry especially by its lower level of intensity

(3)

: poetry sense 2

b

: poem

c

: a body of metrical writing (as of a period or country)

3

: stanza sense 1

4

: one of the short divisions into which a chapter of the Bible is traditionally divided

verse

2 of 2

verb

versed; versing

intransitive verb

: to make verse : versify

transitive verb

1

: to tell or celebrate in verse

2

: to turn into verse

Synonyms

Noun

• lyric
• poem
• rune
• song

Verb

• acquaint
• advise
• apprise
• brief
• catch up
• clear
• clue (in)
• enlighten
• familiarize
• fill in
• hip
• inform
• instruct
• tell
• wise (up)

Examples of verse in a Sentence

Noun

The epic tale was written in verse.

The second verse is sung the same way as the first.

Verb

while in prison, he versed himself in the rights of the incarcerated

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Locals tacked disgruntled but clever verses onto the busts, writing satires that bemoaned the pope, the city’s bourgeoisie and the corrupt nature of those who held power. —Elizabeth Djinis, Smithsonian Magazine, 31 May 2024

There’s a biblical fury underpinning Kendrick’s bars here, his verses dripping with snarling indignation. —Hazlitt, 30 May 2024

The first verse stands as one of the greatest ever. 3. —Okla Jones, Essence, 21 May 2024

Carter’s poignant soprano voice rings inside the verse, assuring the girl that there is much more life yet to come. —Julia Daye, Sacramento Bee, 17 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English vers, fers, in part borrowed from Anglo-French vers, verse in part going back to Old English fers, both borrowed from Latin versus "furrow, measure of land, row, line, line of writing, line of metrical writing," action noun derived from vertere "to cause to turn, rotate," — more at worth entry 1

Verb

Middle English versen, in part verbal derivative of vers, fers verse entry 1 in part going back to Old English fersian "to versify," verbal derivative of fers verse entry 1

First Known Use

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Phrases Containing verse

• blank verse
• chapter and verse
• free verse
• heroic verse
• nonsense verse
• tumbling verse

Kids Definition

verse

noun

ˈvərs

1

: a line of writing in which words are arranged in a rhythmic pattern

2

: writing in which words are arranged in a rhythmic pattern

3

: stanza

4

: one of the short parts of a chapter of the Bible