plural verses
1
: a line of metrical writing
a fourteen-syllable verse
2
a(1)
: speech or writing distinguished from ordinary language by its distinctive patterning of sounds and especially by its rhythm : metrical language
characters who speak only in verse
(2)
b
: poem
c
: a body of metrical writing (as of a period or country)
The cinquain in older French verse was any kind of five-line stanza.—
John Hollander
John Hollander3
a
b
: a part of a song that typically occurs in a series, precedes the chorus, and follows any introduction
Sing the first and last verses only.
4
: one of the short divisions into which a chapter of scripture (such as the Bible, Torah, or Quran) is traditionally divided
Synonyms
Examples of verse in a Sentence
Noun
The epic tale was written in verse.
The second verse is sung the same way as the first.
Verb
while in prison, he versed himself in the rights of the incarcerated
Recent Examples on the Web
Jason Lipshutz, Billboard, 5 Nov. 2024
At the time, many future hip-hop icons were executing their verses in a simplified, nursery rhyme style.
—Kyle Eustice, SPIN, 1 Nov. 2024
The Taliban has banned Afghan women from reciting verses from the Quran or praying loudly in front of each other, the latest in a series of restrictions imposed on women.
—Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 31 Oct. 2024
The first two verses of one translation read: Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.
—Dakin Andone, CNN, 31 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for verse 
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.
Noun
There’s that earworm refrain, followed by formidably declarative verses, a powder keg of a chorus and a high-concept bridge.
—Jason Lipshutz, Billboard, 5 Nov. 2024
At the time, many future hip-hop icons were executing their verses in a simplified, nursery rhyme style.
—Kyle Eustice, SPIN, 1 Nov. 2024
The Taliban has banned Afghan women from reciting verses from the Quran or praying loudly in front of each other, the latest in a series of restrictions imposed on women.
—Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 31 Oct. 2024
The first two verses of one translation read: Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.
—Dakin Andone, CNN, 31 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for verse
Articles Related to verse
Dictionary Entries Near verse
Cite this Entry
“Verse.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/verse. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share