nonsense verse

American  

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.

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nonsense verse British  

noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of nonsense verse

First recorded in 1790–1800

Example Sentences

The 19th-century English artist and writer was a serious painter, but he is most loved for his nonsense verse “The Owl and the Pussycat.”

From New York Times • Nov. 20, 2018

In his younger days, Alfred himself produced some exceptionally funny parodies and nonsense verse.

From Washington Post • Jul. 10, 2017

He was not afraid to make up words, such as “lubberland of dream and laughter”, or veer into nonsense verse.

From Economist • Aug. 15, 2013

Along the way he produced arresting poetry, including nonsense verse and some moving poems of the Blitz.

From BBC • May 10, 2013

At the time when a certain kind of nonsense verse was popular, he, with Sir Noel Paton and others, added not a few facetious sonnets to Edward Lear’s book, which lay on Madame Novikoff’s table. 

From Biographical Study of A.W. Kinglake by Tuckwell, William