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

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

The offense closed out the stanza by connecting on 6 of 10 3-point shots and then drained 7 of 13 long-distance bombs in the second half. —Edward Lee, Baltimore Sun, 4 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