terza rima
noun
ter·za ri·ma
ˌtert-sə-ˈrē-mə 
: a verse form consisting of tercets usually in iambic pentameter in English poetry with an interlaced rhyme scheme (such as aba, bcb, cdc)
Examples of terza rima in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Kendrick Lamar might be influenced by Dante’s terza rima verse form!
—
Washington Post, 17 Dec. 2021
Jean Hollander, the author of several books of poetry, took on the translation of the verse — an already herculean task made more difficult by the challenge of re-creating Dante’s terza rima tercets in English.
—Washington Post, 18 June 2021
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Washington Post, 17 Dec. 2021
Jean Hollander, the author of several books of poetry, took on the translation of the verse — an already herculean task made more difficult by the challenge of re-creating Dante’s terza rima tercets in English.
—Washington Post, 18 June 2021
Cite this Entry
“Terza rima.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/terza%20rima. Accessed 19 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share