rhyme scheme

American  

[rahym skeem] / ˈraɪm ˌskim /

noun

1. the pattern of rhymes used in a poem, usually marked by letters to symbolize correspondences, as rhyme royal, ababbcc.

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Etymology

Origin of rhyme scheme

First recorded in 1930–35

Example Sentences

A 1953 work, “Factory Poem,” whose alternating four- and three-beat lines and A-B-C-B rhyme scheme echo the structure of many old British ballads, begins:

From New York Times • Jan. 9, 2023

The sonnet, with its 14 lines and strict rhyme scheme, dates back centuries.

From BBC • Feb. 1, 2022

SNL’s version, however, plays pretty fast and loose with the rhythm, the meter, the rhyme scheme, the meter, the number of lines per stanza, and of course, the meter.

From Slate • Nov. 1, 2020

The rhyme scheme, as ever, has a casual perfection.

From The Guardian • Nov. 28, 2019

“Your flow was absolutely ridiculous. I’m still in awe that you came up with that rhyme scheme on the spot. You should’ve won, hands down.”

From "On the Come Up" by Angie Thomas