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.

Read more on 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.

Read more on Seattle Times

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

Read more on BBC

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

Read more on BBC

While the rest of the class shares their acrostics, I write a new one in the margin of my notebook, shielding it with my arm so no one can see.

Read more on 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.