acrostic
noun
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.
acrostics
-
pluralof acrostic.plural
The grammatical form denoting more than one person, place, thing, or idea.
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.
I have often thought of those double acrostics, their letters tossed through the air like shuttlecocks, in trying to understand how Mr. Sondheim managed to do what he did.
From New York Times ● Nov. 26, 2021
Scholars have found what appear to be other “Paradise Lost” acrostics, including one discovered in 1977.
From Seattle Times ● Nov. 6, 2019
Printed vertically, they’d be called acrostics; horizontally, they’re often called backronyms.
From Washington Post ● Mar. 30, 2016
The New York Times has featured its crossword puzzle since 1942, while other newspapers have carried comics, word puzzles and acrostics.
From New York Times ● Mar. 6, 2014
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.
From "How to Disappear Completely" by Ali Standish
