nonsense verse

noun

1. a form of light verse, usually for children, depicting imaginative characters in amusing situations of fantasy, whimsical in tone and with a rhythmic appeal, often employing fanciful phrases and meaningless made-up words.

nonsense verse

noun

1. verse in which the sense is nonexistent or absurd, such as that of Edward Lear

Word History and Origins

Origin of nonsense verse¹

First recorded in 1790–1800

Example Sentences

Limerick, lim′ėr-ik, n. 'nonsense verse' in five-lined stanzas.

From Project Gutenberg

Many of them never heard a Mother Goose jingle or a nonsense verse, and a book is an unlearned delight.

From Project Gutenberg

It seems unwise to put in a list of poems to be learned by heart an example of nonsense verse.

From Project Gutenberg

It has secured a place in modern nonsense verse corresponding to that of the sonnet in more serious efforts.

From Project Gutenberg

The awful thing about nonsense verse is the very fine line that divides a masterpiece from utter drivel.

From Project Gutenberg