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

The game's prime moment wasn't the decisive and popular eighth-inning, two-run homer by Mark Bellhorn … but a sensational play by Boston's Manny Ramirez in the top of that same stanza.

—Roger Angell

stanzaic

stan-ˈzā-ik 

adjective

Examples of stanza in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The most recent chapter in the Pass the Mic story kicked off one year ago, when Cassidy led a series of arena shows, dubbed Pass the Mic Live, that obviously had the stars gathered participating for more than just a stanza or two. —Chris Willman, Variety, 22 May 2024

The third and final single from Junior M.A.F.I.A.’s debut album Conspiracy featured an amazing verse from Lil’ Kim, and a hell of an opening stanza from Biggie. —Okla Jones, Essence, 21 May 2024

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

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