eclogue
Americannoun
noun
Etymology
Origin of eclogue
1400–50; late Middle English eclog < Latin ecloga < Greek eklogḗ selection, akin to eklégein to select; see ec-
Explanation
An eclogue is a short, dramatic poem that's set in the countryside. If the poem you're reading includes a conversation between shepherds, it's probably an eclogue. There are other types of poetry that focus on idealized rural life, including bucolics and idylls. While these terms are often used interchangeably, an eclogue is distinguished by its dramatic form, the likelihood that it includes a shepherd's monologue (or a dialogue between two of them), and usually some reference to the delightful simplicity of the country compared with the complexities of urban society and politics. The Greek root, ekloge, means "a selection of poems."
Vocabulary lists containing eclogue
Poetry: Genres
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Reading: Literature - Poetry - High School
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Ancient Rome: Mythology and Literature - Middle School and High School
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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.
This modern eclogue described a chance meeting of four paper-thin characters in a Third Avenue bar; its moral was ex-radical Auden's glowing belief that worldly goods must be rejected.
From Time Magazine Archive
To Live in Peace records, in a high-keyed eclogue, one villager's confrontation of History.
From Time Magazine Archive
Asked to compose an eclogue to be recited by the Queen's daughters at her birthday party, Tupper sent the lines by return mail.
From Time Magazine Archive
They have evolved through the last decade a vast pageant of heroic drama and gentle eclogue, of delectable gaiety and dispirited lust, of mordant wit, glittering intellect, grey despair, apocalyptic spectacle and somber religious depth.
From Time Magazine Archive
Blake’s next work in illustration was done for Dr. Thornton, who projected an English edition of Virgil’s “Pastorals” for the use of schools, with Ambrose Philips’ imitation of Virgil’s first eclogue.
From William Blake A Study of His Life and Art Work by Langridge, Irene
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
