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

The music and cadence of its passages and stanzas, even specific lines, come to me often, and I am often moved again. — Hannah Jocelyn, New Yorker, 26 Aug. 2026

First, Dad’s damp basement office, then, the sound of Dad’s voice reciting the opening and closing stanzas. — Literary Hub, 17 June 2026

Dracut’s James O’Brien potted a goal with 15 seconds remaining in the stanza to cut things to 4-2. — Brendan Connelly, Boston Herald, 10 June 2026

Over the last 13 minutes of the second period and the first eight minutes of the third stanza, Colorado, while trailing 1-0 in a do-or-die contest, got one shot off. — Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 27 May 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