acrostic

American  

[uh-kraw-stik, uh-kros-tik] / əˈkrɔ stɪk, əˈkrɒs tɪk /

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.

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adjective

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

acrostic British  

/ 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

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Usage

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.

Other Word Forms

• acrostically adverb

Etymology

Origin of acrostic

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

Example Sentences

Acróstico means acrostic, and the first letters of the five-line verses for Shakira’s new song spell out the names of her sons, Milan and Sasha.

From New York Times • May 12, 2023

The album title is an acrostic for her family nickname, Simbi - and her lyrics often delve into the darkest corners of her backstory.

From BBC • Dec. 22, 2021

In Week 1406 we asked for acrostic poems, which vertically spell out a relevant word or name with the first letter of each line.

From Washington Post • Nov. 12, 2020

As someone who doesn’t start his day with a crossword or, heaven forbid, an acrostic, I felt as though I had wandered into a tribe of idle eggheads.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 9, 2020

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 "How to Disappear Completely" by Ali Standish