nonsense verse

American  

noun

1. a form of light verse, usually for children, depicting imaginative characters in amusing situations of fantasy, whimsical in tone and with a rhythmic appeal, often employing fanciful phrases and meaningless made-up words.

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nonsense verse British  

noun

1. verse in which the sense is nonexistent or absurd, such as that of Edward Lear

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Etymology

Origin of nonsense verse

First recorded in 1790–1800

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

nonsense verse

The 19th-century English artist and writer was a serious painter, but he is most loved for his nonsense verse “The Owl and the Pussycat.”

From New York Times ● Nov. 20, 2018

In his younger days, Alfred himself produced some exceptionally funny parodies and nonsense verse.

From Washington Post ● Jul. 10, 2017

He was not afraid to make up words, such as “lubberland of dream and laughter”, or veer into nonsense verse.

From Economist ● Aug. 15, 2013

Along the way he produced arresting poetry, including nonsense verse and some moving poems of the Blitz.

From BBC ● May 10, 2013

But I'm afraid of it all; I'm tired trying not to drift—tired trying not to try, and tired trying to try—Oh, dear—sounds like a nonsense verse, doesn't it?

From The Spenders A Tale of the Third Generation by Harry Leon Wilson