free verse

noun

: verse whose meter is irregular in some respect or whose rhythm is not metrical

Examples of free verse in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

There was no such thing as free verse until the late 19th century. — Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 23 June 2026

The poem’s narrative frequently shifts between different speakers and languages, and Eliot employed a range of styles and techniques, including free verse and stream of consciousness. — René Ostberg, Encyclopedia Britannica, 18 June 2026

For Ginsberg, ever-attuned to the rhythmic physicality of verse, the central atom of poetry wasn’t the line or the foot, but rather the breath, emphasizing that his were longer than his free verse hero Whitman because the good, grey poet probably had smaller lungs. — Literary Hub, 3 June 2026

The history of art reads here as one long, free verse poem-in-progress, gorgeous and absorbing. — Los Angeles Times, 22 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1813, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for free verse

• adverse
• averse
• coerce
• disburse
• disperse
• diverse
• immerse
• inverse
• obverse
• perverse
• rehearse
• reverse

Kids Definition

free verse

noun

: poetry that does not rhyme and does not have a regular rhythm