alexandrine

noun

al·ex·an·drine ˌa-lig-ˈzan-ˌdrēn

-drən,

-ˌdrīn,

ˌe-

often capitalized

: a line of verse of 12 syllables consisting regularly of 6 iambs with a caesura after the third iamb

alexandrine adjective

Examples of alexandrine in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

The score is Michel Legrand's finest, with various jazz elements, lyrics in alexandrines by Demy, and intricately structured reprises that match the poetic, crisscrossing plot. —

Patrick Friel, Chicago Reader, 16 Feb. 2018

Word History

Etymology

French alexandrin, adjective, from Alexandre Alexander the Great; from its use in a poem on Alexander

First Known Use

1589, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of alexandrine was in 1589

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Alexandrine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alexandrine. Accessed 25 Nov. 2024.

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