trimeter

American  

[trim-i-ter] / ˈtrɪm ɪ tər /

noun

1. a verse of three measures or feet.

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adjective

1. consisting of three measures or feet.

2. Classical Prosody. composed of six feet or three dipodies.

trimeter British  

/ ˈtrɪmɪtə /

noun

1. a verse line consisting of three metrical feet

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adjective

1. designating such a line

Etymology

Origin of trimeter

1560–70; < Latin trimetrus having three measures < Greek trímetros. See tri-, meter ²

Example Sentences

But Wiman’s deceptively retrograde rhyme scheme conspires to move the reader to a conclusion that’s all the more harrowing for being set in sing-song trimeter.

From Slate • Dec. 6, 2016

Clare has added an extra beat to the usual trimeter of the "b" line, allowing himself a little more space for observation.

From The Guardian • Oct. 29, 2012

Each eight-line stanza has two foreshortened trimeter lines, after which the basic tetrameter rhythm is restored.

From The Guardian • Dec. 20, 2010

The tempo increases again in the last four lines, where the pace of the iambic trimeter suggests that danger is now imminent.

From The Guardian • Oct. 11, 2010

“But iambic trimeter is fairly common in Greek lyric, isn’t it?” said Julian.

From "The Secret History" by Donna Tartt