iambic pentameter

Cultural  

1. The most common meter in English verse. It consists of a line ten syllables long that is accented on every second beat (see blank verse). These lines in iambic pentameter are from The Merchant of Venice, by William Shakespeare:

   ĭn sóoth,/ĭ knów/nŏt whý/ĭ ám/sŏ sád.

   ĭt wéa/riĕs mé;/yŏu sáy/ĭt wéa/riĕs yóu….

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Example Sentences

At the same time, there is a sort of Shakespearean lilt to much of of it; many lines, in my random examination, resolve into iambic pentameter.

From Los Angeles Times

North of Copenhagen is the city of Elsinore, home to the castle where Hamlet takes place, with its wandering ghosts, ill-advised eavesdropping behind the drapes, conversations with skulls, and deadly duels in iambic pentameter.

From Literature

And in iambic pentameter, too!

From Literature

“Chickens with a knack for iambic pentameter? Dr. Lumley, I think you’re on to something. Ba-BUCK, ba-BUCK, ba-BUCK, ba-BUCK, ba-BUCK!”

From Literature

“Iambic pentameter!” the children shouted in answer, and returned to their work.

From Literature