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rhyme scheme

American  
[rahym skeem] / ˈraɪm ˌskim /

noun

  1. the pattern of rhymes used in a poem, usually marked by letters to symbolize correspondences, as rhyme royal, ababbcc.


Etymology

Origin of rhyme scheme

First recorded in 1930–35

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

A 1953 work, “Factory Poem,” whose alternating four- and three-beat lines and A-B-C-B rhyme scheme echo the structure of many old British ballads, begins:

From New York Times • Jan. 9, 2023

It's partly because the rhyme scheme can reveal the punchline too early, puncturing its effectiveness.

From BBC • Oct. 12, 2021

The rhyme scheme, as ever, has a casual perfection.

From The Guardian • Nov. 28, 2019

The students added verses to George Gershwin and Cole Porter songs, mimicking rhyme scheme and voice, an exercise that Nardino maintains “captures writing for television” perfectly.

From Washington Post • Nov. 30, 2017

“Your flow was absolutely ridiculous. I’m still in awe that you came up with that rhyme scheme on the spot. You should’ve won, hands down.”

From "On the Come Up" by Angie Thomas

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