acrostic

[uh-kraw-stik, uh-kros-tik]

noun

1. a series of lines or verses in which the first, last, or other particular letters when taken in order spell out a word, phrase, etc.

adjective

1. Also acrostical of, like, or forming an acrostic.

acrostic

/ əˈkrɒstɪk /

noun

1. 1. a number of lines of writing, such as a poem, certain letters of which form a word, proverb, etc. A single acrostic is formed by the initial letters of the lines, a double acrostic by the initial and final letters, and a triple acrostic by the initial, middle, and final letters

   2. the word, proverb, etc, so formed

   3. ( as modifier )

      an acrostic sonnet

Other Word Forms

• acrostically adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of acrostic¹

1580–90; < Greek akrostichís, equivalent to akro- acro- + stích ( os ) stich ¹ + -is noun suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of acrostic¹

C16: via French from Greek akrostikhis, from _acro- + stikhos line of verse, _stich

Example Sentences

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger used a vulgar acrostic to veto a bill by an assemblyman who had heckled the Republican governor when he crashed a Democratic fundraiser.

From Los Angeles Times

The poem published Tuesday, “Floral Tribute,” is in the form of a double acrostic, which means that the first letter of each line spells out Elizabeth when taken together.

From Seattle Times

The poem employs the form of a double acrostic - meaning the first letter of each line spells out Elizabeth when taken together.

From BBC

One picture spelled out the words that for them embodied the Queen in an acrostic: "Quintessential, Unwavering, Eloquent, Elegant, Noble."

From BBC

She assigns us to write an acrostic of our names, which is a poem where, for each letter of your name, you describe yourself with a word or phrase that starts with that letter.

From Literature

When To Use

What is an acrostic?

An acrostic is a series of lines of writing or verses of poetry in which certain letters can be read from a word or phrase.Here is an example of an acrostic in which the first letter of each word creates another word (dogs):DependableObedientGood FriendsSmartAn acrostic doesn’t have to use the letters of the first words of a line, however. The letters could be from words in the middle or at the end of lines, as well. The letters of the “hidden message” are typically capitalized (food):Made FreshHealthy OnlyDouble OrderTastes DeliciousThere are three types of acrostics. An acrostic that uses the initial letters is called a single acrostic (cat):CuriousAttentiveTenaciousAn acrostic that uses the first and last letters of a line is called a double acrostic (bird song):Beautiful chirping soundsI love the audioRelaxes my brainDelightful listeningA triple acrostic uses the first letter, last letter, and a middle letter to form words.The adjective form of acrostic is acrostical, as in The poem was acrostical.