couplet

American  

[kuhp-lit] / ˈkʌp lɪt /

noun

1. a pair of successive lines of verse, especially a pair that rhyme and are of the same length.

2. a pair; couple.

3. Music. any of the contrasting sections of a rondo occurring between statements of the refrain.

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couplet British  

/ ˈkʌplɪt /

noun

1. two successive lines of verse, usually rhymed and of the same metre

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couplet Cultural  

1. A pair of lines of verse that rhyme. Some poems, such as “The Night Before Christmas,” are written entirely in couplets:

   `Twas the night before Christmas , when all through the house

   Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse;

   The stockings were hung by the chimney with care

   In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there.

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Etymology

Origin of couplet

From Middle French, dating back to 1570–80; couple, -et

Example Sentences

Both books tell a tale about an adventure in a woodland full of animals, with the story told in rhyming couplets.

From BBC

Ahead of Lunar New Year this month, Chinese households typically decorate their doors with couplets - a set of auspicious writings heralding health and prosperity in the new year.

From BBC

He is the author of three collections of lyric poems and two book-length narrative poems in heroic couplets that nearly defy summary.

From The Wall Street Journal

The lyrics, which are serviceable but unremarkable—“Oh, I need you, yes, it’s true / I wouldn’t be anywhere without you” is a representative couplet—don’t offset the sleepiness.

From The Wall Street Journal

“Iambic pentameter, and a rhyming couplet, too,” she said, pleased with her effort.

From Literature

Related Words

• verse