verse

noun

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\ ˈvərs

Definition of verse

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 : a line of metrical writing

2a(1) : metrical language

(2) : metrical writing distinguished from poetry especially by its lower level of intensity

(3) : poetry sense 2

b : poem

c : a body of metrical writing (as of a period or country)

3 : stanza sense 1

4 : one of the short divisions into which a chapter of the Bible is traditionally divided

verse

verb

versed; versing

Definition of verse (Entry 2 of 2)

intransitive verb

: to make verse : versify

transitive verb

1 : to tell or celebrate in verse

2 : to turn into verse

Synonyms Example Sentences Phrases Containing verse Learn More About verse

Examples of verse in a Sentence

Noun The epic tale was written in verse. The second verse is sung the same way as the first.

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun Stefano Massini’s epic 700-page novel, written in verse and based on the history of the Lehman family dynasty, has been produced in theaters around the world. — Joseph Sassoon, WSJ, 5 Aug. 2022 Our beautifully designed Bible verse cards will provide a source of inspiration and empowerment to anyone who needs it. — Jamie Kravitz, Woman's Day, 3 Aug. 2022 After Siwa’s TikTok went viral over the weekend, Bure appeared to respond Monday with a Bible verse. — Los Angeles Times, 26 July 2022 Is there a Bible verse that maybe has occurred to you more than once over the last couple of days? — William Thornton | Wthornton@al.com, al, 23 May 2022 Wynonna and Ashley accepted the honor amid tears, holding onto each other and reciting a Bible verse together. — Caitlin O'kane, CBS News, 3 May 2022 Daughters Wynonna and Ashley Judd accepted the induction amid tears, holding onto each other and reciting a Bible verse together. — Kristin M. Hall, Anchorage Daily News, 2 May 2022 Daughters Wynonna and Ashley Judd accepted the induction amid tears, holding onto each other and reciting a Bible verse together. — NBC News, 2 May 2022 Lynne, 66, appeared to allude to her daughter's legal situation on Friday with an Instagram story that featured a Bible verse about freedom. — Rachel Desantis, PEOPLE.com, 12 Nov. 2021 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'verse.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

History and Etymology for verse

Noun

Middle English vers, fers, in part borrowed from Anglo-French vers, verse in part going back to Old English fers, both borrowed from Latin versus "furrow, measure of land, row, line, line of writing, line of metrical writing," action noun derived from vertere "to cause to turn, rotate," — more at worth entry 1

Verb

Middle English versen, in part verbal derivative of vers, fers verse entry 1 in part going back to Old English fersian "to versify," verbal derivative of fers verse entry 1

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