stanza

noun

stan·​za ˈstan-zə 

1

: a division of a poem consisting of a series of lines arranged together in a usually recurring pattern of meter and rhyme : strophe

2

sports : a period (such as a half or an inning) into which the duration of a game is divided

… held a 10-point lead in the final stanza.

—Vincent Frank

stanzaic

stan-ˈzā-ik 

adjective

Examples of stanza in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Kreider, in his first year with the Ducks, said the message was simple when the Ducks fell behind in the closing stanza. —Andrew Knoll, Oc Register, 23 Mar. 2026

Jake Webster hit a buzzer-beating layup at the end of the stanza, as the Shamrocks took a 52-46 advantage into the final frame. —Brendan Connelly, Boston Herald, 16 Mar. 2026

The Rangers went 6 for 30 in the opening stanza, including 0 for 13 from distance and trailed 42-16 at the break. —Pioneer Press, Twin Cities, 14 Mar. 2026

About five minutes into the second stanza at the Scotiabank Saddledome, Bichsel, Dallas’ 6-foot-7 defenseman, pushed Kadri into the boards behind the net. —Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 5 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Italian, stay, abode, room, stanza, from Vulgar Latin *stantia stay — more at stance

First Known Use

1589, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing stanza

• ballad stanza
• heroic stanza
• Rubaiyat stanza
• Spenserian stanza

Rhymes for stanza

• bonanza
• extravaganza

Kids Definition

stanza

noun

stan·​za ˈstan-zə 

: a division of a poem consisting of a series of lines arranged together in a usually repeating pattern of rhythm and rhyme

stanzaic

stan-ˈzā-ik 

adjective