alexandrine

noun

al·​ex·​an·​drine ˌa-lig-ˈzan-ˌdrēn How to pronounce alexandrine (audio)
-drən,
-ˌdrīn,
ˌe-
often capitalized
: a line of verse of 12 syllables consisting regularly of 6 iambs with a caesura after the third iamb
alexandrine adjective

Examples of alexandrine in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The score is Michel Legrand's finest, with various jazz elements, lyrics in alexandrines by Demy, and intricately structured reprises that match the poetic, crisscrossing plot. Patrick Friel, Chicago Reader, 16 Feb. 2018

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'alexandrine.' 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

French alexandrin, adjective, from Alexandre Alexander the Great; from its use in a poem on Alexander

First Known Use

1589, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of alexandrine was in 1589

Dictionary Entries Near alexandrine

Cite this Entry

“Alexandrine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alexandrine. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

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